Shubman Gill’s “One Hour” Rally Triggers Indian Fightback at The Oval
In one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent Test cricket, Shubman Gill’s impassioned war cry — “Ek ghanta aur zor lagayenge, uske baad sab mil ke aaraam karenge” — became the heartbeat of India’s spirited Day 4 comeback against England at The Oval. With the five-match series on the line and England appearing to cruise towards victory, Gill’s words, picked up by the stump microphone and later aired by broadcasters, sparked a revival that may go down in Test cricket folklore.
India, defending a formidable 374-run target, looked to be on the verge of a crushing defeat as England, powered by centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook, reached 301 for 3. The home team required just 73 more runs with six wickets in hand, well on their way to sealing a historic chase at a venue where no team had ever successfully chased over 263 in more than a century of Test cricket.
England in Command Until Gill’s Roar
The day had begun under overcast London skies with India needing early wickets. While Ollie Pope’s early dismissal gave them hope, Brook and Root steadily dismantled the pressure with a fluent 195-run partnership. Brook’s elegant 111 and Root’s masterful 105 not only silenced the Indian attack but also appeared to take the match out of India’s hands.
Brook’s wicket just before Tea gave India a minor window of opportunity, but with Root still at the crease and playing freely, England were well-positioned to secure a 3-1 series victory. Root’s record-setting 39th Test ton only underlined England’s dominance.
Gill’s Call to Arms and Krishna’s Double Blow
But everything changed shortly after Tea. As the Indian team huddled and prepared for the final push, Gill’s now-iconic words — “One more hour of full effort, then we all rest together” — set the tone. It was more than just encouragement; it was a challenge, a call to dig deeper.
The response was immediate. Prasidh Krishna, often criticised for inconsistency, delivered perhaps the spell of his life. In his very first over after Tea, he lured Jacob Bethell into a reckless shot. In his next over, Krishna landed the killer blow — dismissing Joe Root with a delivery that nipped back and trapped the former captain in front. Suddenly, from 301 for 3, England were 337 for 6, rattled and retreating.
Collapse Turns the Match on Its Head
The sudden collapse left England’s dressing room in visible disarray. India’s energy surged in the field, bowlers charged in with renewed vigour, and the crowd sensed a shift in momentum. Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah tightened the screws, creating relentless pressure.
Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton managed to hold fort briefly, but with bad light and light rain cutting short the day’s play, England were left at 339 for 6 — still 35 runs shy of the target.
All Eyes on Final Day Finish
With just four wickets needed and minimal runs to defend, Day 5 at The Oval is set for a nail-biting finish. England may have a slim batting lineup left, and the absence of Chris Woakes, who was ruled out with a shoulder injury, further complicates their chances. Although he was seen padded up and ready if needed, his participation remains uncertain.
India, on the other hand, will head into the final day buoyed by belief and energy — all triggered by the voice of a 24-year-old batter stepping up as a leader in the most unexpected way.
Should India complete the turnaround, this match — and Gill’s motivational moment — will be etched into the annals of cricket history as one of the greatest Test comebacks in modern times.
