Mohammed Siraj took stunning five-wicket haul helped India pull off a thrilling six-run win in the final Test at The Oval, levelling the India vs England Test series 2-2 in a historic fashion.
How the Final Day Unfolded
✅ England’s Strong Position from Day 4
England resumed at 339/6, needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand. England’s chase had been led by masterclass innings from Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105), combining for a 195‑run partnership in blistering fashion. By tea on Day 4, England led comfortably at 317/4, chasing down a daunting target set by India.
However, India clawed back late. Prasidh Krishna struck twice and Siraj joined the action, sending Root and Brook packing in quick succession. England managed just 22 runs in a fading final session before bad light and rain halted play for the day.
England’s Collapse: From Dominance to Defeat
England began Day 5 at 339/6. With a modest target of 374, and Joe Root and Harry Brook both registering centuries, the momentum seemed firmly in the hosts’ favor. Brook’s 111 and Root’s 105 anchored a thrilling 195-run stand, taking England to the brink of victory.
But India had other plans. A combination of accurate bowling, shifting cloud cover, and mental resilience helped the visitors claw back. Siraj, who had already dismissed key batters on Day 4, struck again early on Day 5 to remove Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton in quick succession.
At the other end, Prasidh Krishna bowled with venom and accuracy. He uprooted Josh Tongue’s off stump with a toe-crushing yorker, followed by the crucial wicket of Chris Woakes, who courageously batted despite a dislocated shoulder.
From 339/6 to 356/9, England lost three wickets for just 17 runs. Only seven runs were needed when Gus Atkinson struck a six, but Siraj delivered a searing in-swinging yorker next ball to end the match.
Pitch, Weather & Strategy on Day 5
Covers were removed under cloudy skies, and early thunderstorms were expected later. England’s decision to avoid using the heavy roller, instead allowing India to decide on taking the second new ball, became crucial. India’s bowlers sensed advantage from prevailing swing conditions and old ball movement.
Key Performers & Match Stats
- India: 224 & 396
- England: 247 & 367
- Result: India won by 6 runs
- Series Result: Drawn 2-2
- Siraj’s Spell: 5/104 (including the final wicket)
- Prasidh Krishna: 4 wickets in the final innings
- Top England Batters: Harry Brook (111), Joe Root (105)
Siraj & Krishna’s Crushing Burst
💥 Siraj’s Explosive Start
Siraj triggered the collapse. He first trapped Jamie Smith caught behind and followed up with a beauty to Jamie Overton, batting right-handed, crashing into his pads. The Hyderabad pacer continued to tighten the screws in a spell full of bounce and swing.
🔨 Krishna’s Crucial Opening Spell
At the other end, Prasidh Krishna delivered a pinpoint yorker to bowl Josh Tongue and then blasted one past Chris Woakes, fighting pain in a sling after injuring his shoulder early in the series. Woakes had valiantly come out to bat in the final session, but India now had England on the brink.
At 356/8, England were just 18 runs from victory—but nervous energy had set in.
What This Means for the India vs England Test Series
The result ensured the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy remained with India, who had won the previous edition. More importantly, the victory was symbolic. With the series on the line and their backs against the wall, India’s comeback was a statement of grit and spirit.
This final match didn’t just affect the series scoreboard. It reinvigorated faith in Test cricket itself. On social media, former players, commentators, and fans hailed the match as one of the finest finishes in recent years.
Cricket as Theatre: Final Thoughts
The final day of the India vs England Test series had everything Test cricket lovers yearn for: rain delays, momentum shifts, heroic resistance, and a dramatic finish. Mohammed Siraj’s fiery spell, supported ably by Prasidh Krishna, overturned all expectations and etched this game into cricketing folklore.
As Siraj stood roaring under grey skies, holding the ball aloft after his five-for, it wasn’t just about wickets—it was about belief, bounce-back, and brilliance.
In conclusion, the India vs England Test series once again proved why five-day cricket continues to hold hearts. Whether it was Root’s class, Brook’s aggression, or Siraj’s fire, this series delivered on all fronts. For India, the win was not just about the scoreboard but about resurgence—and a reminder that even when odds stack up, fightbacks are always possible.
Takeaways: What This Result Signifies
- Siraj’s rise: From earlier dropped chances to sealing heroics—he vindicated faith with his best Test performance yet.
- England’s missed opportunity: Needing just 35 with four wickets remaining, they failed to cross a target that would have broken a century-old Oval record.
- Woakes’ valour on display: Despite a dislocated shoulder, he came out to bat, fighting for his side’s cause.
- Test cricket’s allure preserved: Fans and pundits celebrated this match as an affirmation of the format’s excitement. As one commentator wrote: “Why do people knock this format… it is just so wonderful.”
Player Reactions & Final Thoughts
What began as England’s likely triumph transformed into one of Test cricket’s most dramatic victories. A masterclass chase seemed in the making until India’s bowlers turned the game on its head. Siraj and Krishna’s relentless seam attack, coupled with steadfast teamwork, frustrate England’s aggressive intent.
Siraj, awarded Player of the Match, said post-match:
“I just wanted to give it everything. This win belongs to the whole team.”
Former captain Sourav Ganguly, speaking to a broadcaster, added:
“This is what makes Test cricket special. You never write off India, especially on a swinging Oval pitch.”
By
