LONDON: In a dramatic finish to a fiercely contested five-match Test series, India pulled off a stunning 6-run victory over England on the final day of the fifth Test at The Oval, leveling the series 2-2 and retaining the prestigious Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
England began Day 5 in a strong position at 339/6, requiring just 35 runs to seal the series. But what followed was a remarkable show of grit and precision from the Indian bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj, who emerged as the hero of the day.
Siraj delivered an early breakthrough by dismissing Jamie Smith, setting the tone for the final session. In his very next over, Siraj trapped Smith LBW, putting India within touching distance of an improbable victory.
Prasidh Krishna joined the party soon after, bowling out Josh Tongue for a duck, leaving England just one wicket away from defeat. With pressure mounting, an injured Chris Woakes came out to bat left-handed due to a strapped right hand. However, Siraj delivered the knockout punch by cleaning up Gus Atkinson with a searing yorker, sealing India’s sensational win.
England were eventually bowled out for 367, falling just short of the 373-run target. Siraj finished with a five-wicket haul, while Prasidh Krishna claimed four wickets, both instrumental in India’s comeback from a seemingly losing position.
This victory was set up in part by India’s late surge on Day 4, when key wickets including centurions Joe Root and Harry Brook fell in quick succession, triggering an English collapse. England lost three crucial wickets for just 36 runs, shifting the momentum in India’s favor.
With this hard-fought win, Shubman Gill-led India not only avoided a series defeat but also successfully retained the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, proving their resilience and strength in overseas conditions.
The 2-2 series draw caps off an intense and memorable Test contest, with India’s final-day heroics standing out as one of the most thrilling finishes in recent memory.
