Before the day’s play commenced, the chatter among fans and pundits alike suggested a swift conclusion to England’s innings, with an additional 50 runs being the modest expectation. The stage seemed set for Jaiswal and his teammates to conclude proceedings, ideally by the end of the day or, at the latest, by Tea.

However, Pope, undeterred and showcasing a resolve of steel, navigated the early innings with a clear understanding that his time with the tailenders was finite. His bat spoke volumes as he notched up 150 runs, setting the tone for the day.

Rehan, displaying commendable grit, contributed a valuable 28 runs, while Pope, undaunted, continued to dispatch the ball over the slips. Hartley, exuding confidence with every stroke, played his shots with aplomb. A critical moment arrived when KL Rahul, in an agonizing turn of events, dropped what seemed like a straightforward catch from Pope – a moment of disbelief that rippled through the stands.

Hartley’s innings, culminating in a commendable 34 and an 80-run partnership with Pope, set the stage for a dramatic shift in the narrative. Pope’s innings, however, met an untimely end at 196, falling just shy of a double century, his reverse shot betraying him at the crucial moment.

India’s target, while seemingly within reach, became the stage for an unfolding drama that saw the team falter in a manner few had anticipated.

My arrival at the ground was marred by the swift loss of two Indian wickets within the span of my 40-minute commute, casting a shadow of doubt over the team’s prospects. The early promise of India’s innings, marked by a brisk 42 runs in 11.3 overs, was quickly dashed as Hartley claimed Jaiswal, with Gill exiting shortly after for a duck, falling prey to Pope’s prowess.

As the innings progressed, India leaned on the experience of bowlers like Leach, but Hartley’s dismissal of Rohit Sharma at just 39 runs sent ripples through the crowd. Axar’s entrance was met with mixed emotions, the anticipation of explosive batting clashing with the precariousness of the situation.

With the target tantalizingly close and 136 runs needed by tea, the game took a dramatic turn. Hartley, on a roll, claimed Axar, while KL Rahul’s dismissal by Joe Root left fans in disbelief. A moment of brilliance from Stokes, with a masterful throw, sent Jadeja back to the pavilion, escalating the tension.

The inclusion of Leach, a decision by Stokes banking on experience, paid dividends as Iyer fell shortly after. With 89 runs required and the endgame in sight, the pitch’s bounce hinted at imminent danger, realized when Hartley secured his fifer with Bharat’s wicket.

As the final moments approached, Ashwin’s decision to aim for the fences, coupled with a disastrous run-out involving Wood and Bumrah, underscored a series of miscalculations. Siraj’s dismissal mirrored Ashwin’s earlier folly, their exits marking a departure from a strategy of cautious play.

In a turn of events that left spectators and pundits alike astounded England clinched victory from the jaws of defeat, etching this match into the annals of cricket history as one of their most remarkable comebacks.