ENG vs IND 2025: How can the heavy roller influence play on Day 5 in Oval Test?
The use of the heavy roller could play a key role on Day 5 of the fifth and final Test match between India and England at The Oval in London.
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The use of the heavy roller could play a key role on Day 5 of the fifth and final Test match between India and England at The Oval in London. England benefited immensely from the use of the heavy roller on Day 4. They need just 35 more runs to win the Test match on the final day and bag the series 3-1. India, on the other hand, will look for four wickets to level the series.
Harsha Bhogle pointed out that England could be in an advantageous position on Day 5 as they can use the heavy roller, which will help in flattening the pitch out. While the effect of the heavy roller is temporary, England only need 35 runs, and that shouldn't take much time, especially because of how aggressively they bat.
"I am glad there are people other than me asking why the covers couldn't have come off in time to allow us to witness an extraordinary climax. Now we come back tomorrow but the heavy roller can be used and that can be a game-changer," tweeted Bhogle.
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566So, as per the ICC, the surface may be rolled at the captain of the batting side's request, for a period of not more than seven minutes, before the start of each innings, other than the first innings of the match, and before the start of each subsequent day’s play.
The rolling permitted before play on any day shall be started not more than 30 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to start. The captain of the batting side may, however, delay the start of such rolling until not less than 10 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to commence.
Joe Root, who smashed his 39th Test century on Day 4 of the Oval Test and put England in a commanding position, acknowledged the positive effect of the heavy roller.
"In terms of the roller, we'll see. I haven't got a crystal ball unfortunately, but it has made an impact so far throughout this game. Whether that changes on day five, we'll see, but hopefully it works well in our favor in flattening things out," said Root.
Meanwhile, India's bowling coach Morne Morkel said that he is not too perturbed with the use of the roller and asserted that his bowlers are ready to take the remaining wickets on the final day of what has been a pulsating series.
"Tomorrow we can just focus on doing a good warm-up and get the boys ready to hopefully get the ball in the right area and yeah, create a little bit of excitement again," said Morkel.
England will resume their innings from 339/6, with Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton at the crease. India have the second new ball due in 3.4 overs. The last day of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 promises a mouth-watering affair.