When all hope seems lost in sports, a timely war cry can rekindle faith. On Day 4 of the fifth Test match against England, Shubman Gill's scathing comments, "Ek ghanta zor lagayenge," achieved exactly that, sparking an incredible comeback. It allowed for a spectacular series-leveling victory at The Oval in addition to bringing India roaring back into the match.
After losing stand-in captain Ollie Pope in the opening session on Day 4 under overcast London skies, England found themselves struggling at 106 for three as they attempted to reach 374, a target no side had ever accomplished in the venue's 123-year Test history.
However, with more than a day remaining, England was cruising towards a 3-1 series victory as Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105) turned the tide with a 195-run fourth-wicket stand. Root maintained the momentum even when Brook left just before Tea. With six wickets remaining and just 44 runs needed to win, Root recorded his 39th Test century shortly after the final session began.
After early stumps were called, broadcasters later disclosed that Gill's rallying shout had been captured on the stump microphone. “Come on, boys. Ek ghanta aur zor lagayenge, uske baad sab mil ke aaraam karenge” (“Let’s give it our all for one more hour, then we’ll all rest together”), he said, rallying his bowlers.
Instant magic ensued.
Jacob Bethell, unable to find any rhythm during his 31-ball stay, threw his wicket away with a reckless shot in Prasidh Krishna’s first over after Tea. In the very next over, Krishna dismissed Root, sparking a collapse that left England tottering at 337 for six.
The double strike after tea completely changed the course of the match, placing India squarely back in the contest and instantly putting pressure back on England.
During the last session, India's rhythm was finally disrupted by bad light and rain, leaving England at 339 for six at stumps. With Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton batting at 2 and 0, respectively, the home team needs 35 more runs, while India needs to take four more wickets to win and level the series 2-2.
It remains to be seen whether Chris Woakes, who was ruled out of the match with a shoulder injury, will come out to bat. Broadcasters did show him padded up and ready to bat on Day 4.
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