In one of the most gripping finishes in recent Test cricket, India edged past England by just 6 runs in the fifth and final Test at The Oval in London, leveling the five-match series 2-2 and retaining the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The thrilling win came on the back of an incredible bowling performance by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, who shared nine wickets between them in the final innings.
Despite England’s promising position at 339/6 while chasing 374, the Indian bowlers kept their nerves intact on the final day. Siraj’s fiery spell of 5/104 and Krishna’s 4/126 ensured a historic victory, making this Test a memorable chapter in India’s overseas success stories.
Match Summary: India vs England, 5th Test, The Oval
- Venue: Kennington Oval, London
- Match Dates: August 1–5, 2025
- Result: India won by 6 runs
- Series Result: Drawn 2-2
- Trophy: Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy retained by India
India’s First Innings: A Strong Foundation
India had posted a respectable total of 325 in the first innings, thanks to crucial contributions from Yashasvi Jaiswal (88) and Virat Kohli (67). England responded with 312, with Joe Root and Ben Stokes playing stabilizing knocks.
India’s Second Innings: Fighting Total on Tough Pitch
India set a fourth-innings target of 374 runs for England, with a fighting 90 from Shubman Gill and a handy 54 from Ravindra Jadeja. Despite some early wickets, the lower-order flourished, pushing the total beyond 370.
England’s Chase: From Comfort to Collapse
At the close of Day 4, England were well placed at 339/6, needing just 35 runs to win with 4 wickets in hand. However, bad light and rain halted the play, pushing the decision to the final day.
Day 5: Mohammed Siraj Turns the Tide
India needed something special—and Siraj delivered. On a pitch that had flattened, he stuck to disciplined line and length. His twin strikes early on Day 5 removed Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton, jolting England’s hopes.
- Jamie Smith was caught behind trying to chase a wide delivery.
- Jamie Overton was trapped LBW in the next over.
Meanwhile, Prasidh Krishna, who had struggled earlier, delivered a dream yorker to shatter Josh Tongue’s stumps.
The Chris Woakes Surprise: Grit in Pain
In a moment of sheer commitment, Chris Woakes, despite being ruled out with a dislocated shoulder, walked out to bat with his left arm tucked in a sling. Clearly in immense pain, he attempted to stay in but couldn’t do much.
The end came when Siraj cleaned up Gus Atkinson, sealing a famous victory for India. The team erupted in celebration, knowing the series was saved and momentum reclaimed.
Siraj’s Post-Match Comments: Belief and Execution
After the game, Mohammed Siraj was asked about the pressure of defending such a slim margin. He said:
“My only plan was to bowl good areas. Didn’t matter if I took wickets or went for runs. I believed till the end.”
On his dropped catch of Harry Brook earlier in the innings that could have ended the game sooner, Siraj admitted:
“I didn’t think I’d touch the cushion when I took it. It was a match-changing moment. Brook got into T20 mode. We were behind the game after that—but thank God we pulled through.”
Player of the Match: Mohammed Siraj
With figures of 5/104, Siraj was rightly awarded the Player of the Match. His aggression, ability to swing the ball at pace, and never-give-up attitude made all the difference on Day 5.
Prasidh Krishna’s Redemption
Krishna started the innings on a rough note, leaking runs and looking out of rhythm. But on the final day, he showed why India invested in him. His delivery to bowl Josh Tongue was one of the most defining moments of the Test.
Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy: A Modern Rivalry
This series continues to build the legacy of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, symbolizing the fierce competition between two modern cricketing giants. A 2-2 draw in English conditions is a commendable achievement for Team India, especially after losing the fourth Test in Birmingham.
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