Many of the best stories end by circling back to the beginning. The 2025 Test series between England and India is no exception. A memorable series will finish as it started, with England’s fearless batting line-up trying to chase down a huge fourth-innings target.

India has removed England’s Ben Duckett and stand-in captain Ollie Pope to be six wickets from tying the series on day four of the fifth test at the Oval.

India ended a gripping third day that ebbed and flowed leading England by 323 runs in the final test at The Oval on Saturday with the game and series still hanging in the balance.