Many of the best stories end by circling back to the beginning. The 2025 Test series between England and India is no exception. A terrific series – not quite great but still one to remember – will finish as it started, with England’s fearless batting line-up trying to chase down a huge fourth-innings total to win.

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.

Brilliant play from nightwatchman Akash Deep and Yashasvi Jaiswal has extended India’s lead over England to 166 runs by lunch on day three of the fifth test at the Oval