In a dramatic conclusion to a gripping Test series IND vs ENG, India edged out England by just 6 runs in the 5th and final Test at The Oval, levelling the series 2-2. It was a match that swung wildly across five days, but it ended with Mohammed Siraj emerging as the hero, delivering a stunning five-wicket haul when it mattered the most.
Chasing 374, England seemed to be cruising at one point, riding on a breathtaking 195-run partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook. Brook’s explosive 111 and Root’s elegant 105 had taken the game away from India, with England needing only 57 runs at tea on Day 4.
But India’s pacers roared back in the final session, with Prasidh Krishna dismissing both Bethell and Root in quick succession. Siraj, who had set the tone earlier with a fiery opening spell, kept attacking and eventually ended with 5 wickets. Krishna supported him brilliantly with four, as England collapsed to 367 all out, falling agonisingly short of their target by just 6 runs.
India had been dismissed for 224 in the first innings, trailing by 23 after England posted 247. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s resilient century (113) in the second innings helped India set a target of 374, which proved just enough thanks to inspired bowling.
This result not only helped India avoid a series defeat but also showed the resilience of a young team led by Shubman Gill. With this win, India retained the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in style and reminded the cricketing world why Test cricket remains the ultimate format for drama, skill, and heart.
As the dust settles on this epic IND vs ENG clash, one thing is clear — this match will be remembered for years as one of India’s greatest overseas comebacks.