In one of the most dramatic finishes in recent Test cricket history, India pulled off a stunning six-run victory over England on the final day of the fifth and final Test at The Oval. Mohammed Siraj emerged as the undeniable hero, delivering a spellbinding performance with the old ball under gloomy London skies to complete a five-wicket haul that turned the match on its head and leveled the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2.
England, chasing a target of 374, resumed the final day at 367 for 6, needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand. With established batters Joe Root and Harry Brook having laid a formidable foundation through sublime centuries, the odds were stacked heavily in England’s favor. However, in the face of adversity, India’s bowling unit produced a miraculous turnaround led by Siraj and ably supported by Prasidh Krishna.
2⃣-2⃣ 🏆
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 4, 2025
The first ever Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy ends in a draw 🤝#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/9dY6LoFOjG
A Fightback for the Ages: India Turns the Tide at The Oval
The match seemed destined to go England’s way after the fourth day saw Root and Brook dominate proceedings. Their 195-run partnership was a masterclass in patience, placement, and technical excellence. Brook’s aggressive flair was balanced beautifully by Root’s calm authority, as they batted India out of the game—until the weather stepped in. A sharp shower after tea on Day 4 forced play to be extended into the fifth day, giving India an unexpected opening.
As clouds hovered over The Oval, it became evident that swing bowling would be the decisive factor. Mohammed Siraj, who had already taken crucial wickets earlier in the innings, found rhythm, reverse swing, and ruthless accuracy on the final morning. His opening spell of the day was nothing short of exceptional. He made the ball talk, generating up to two degrees of movement under the overcast conditions.
Jamie Smith was the first casualty. Having added no runs to his overnight score of 2, he was beaten twice in quick succession before edging behind to the wicketkeeper. That early breakthrough ignited belief in the Indian camp.
Moments later, Siraj nearly had a second wicket when Gus Atkinson edged a delivery that dropped just short of KL Rahul at second slip. But India didn’t have to wait long. Siraj returned to trap Jamie Overton plumb in front with a ball that nipped back sharply into the pads. The decision, after a brief hesitation by the umpire, was confirmed on review as ‘umpire’s call.’ England, once cruising, were suddenly feeling the pressure.
Prasidh Krishna’s Lethal Yorker Piles on the Pressure
Prasidh Krishna, who had taken four wickets in the first innings and was relatively under the radar until then, delivered a spell of immense discipline and composure. He complemented Siraj brilliantly, particularly with his ability to bowl deadly yorkers on demand.
One such delivery proved too good for Josh Tongue, who had just survived an LBW decision via DRS. Krishna’s next ball was a pinpoint yorker that rattled the stumps, sending the Indian fielders into a frenzy. England, still 17 runs away from the target, were down to their final pair. The situation forced them to call upon Chris Woakes, who walked out amidst applause from the home crowd—his right shoulder in a sling and the bat awkwardly placed in his left hand.
Final Moments: Grit, Tension, and Siraj’s Perfect Yorker
Gus Atkinson now bore the weight of the chase, trying to shield the injured Woakes at the non-striker’s end. His strategy was clear: take control of the strike, farm singles only at the end of the over, and look for boundaries whenever possible. He succeeded momentarily. One big hit, a lofted shot that should have been caught at deep midwicket, was misjudged by Akash Deep and went for six. The Oval held its breath.
But Mohammed Siraj wasn’t done yet. With every delivery, he ramped up the pressure. The movement, the accuracy, and the intent were all perfectly aligned. Then came the final blow—an unplayable yorker delivered with venom. Atkinson, having fought valiantly for 17 runs, was clean bowled. Siraj, arms aloft, roared as India completed a stunning six-run victory.
The Indian contingent at The Oval erupted with jubilation. The crowd stood in ovation. The players embraced one another in disbelief and triumph. India had pulled off a sensational comeback to level the series 2-2, and Siraj had delivered the performance of a lifetime.
Brief Scores and Statistical Highlights
India’s success in the final Test was built on solid batting contributions and disciplined bowling across both innings. In the first innings, Karun Nair top-scored with 57 as India managed 224. England replied with 247, with Zak Crawley contributing 64 and Harry Brook chipping in with 53. Prasidh Krishna and Siraj took four wickets apiece to keep India within reach.
India’s second innings was anchored by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a magnificent 118. Lower-order contributions from Akash Deep (66), Washington Sundar (53), and Ravindra Jadeja (53) helped push the total to 396—setting England a target of 374.
Despite centuries from Root and Brook, England fell agonizingly short, bowled out for 367. Siraj ended with second-innings figures of 5 for 104, while Prasidh Krishna finished with 4 for 126. The match was ultimately decided by one inspired spell of reverse swing and a handful of courageous performances under immense pressure.
Mohammed Siraj: The Match-Winner
Siraj’s heroics in the final innings elevated his standing as India’s pace spearhead. His final figures of 5 for 104 underlined his adaptability, accuracy, and ability to seize the moment. This performance wasn’t just about numbers—it was about courage, control, and the willingness to carry a nation’s hopes on his shoulders when it mattered most.
His dismissal of Jamie Smith set the tone. The wicket of Jamie Overton broke England’s resistance. But it was the final strike to remove Gus Atkinson that cemented his place as the undisputed Player of the Match. Siraj’s control of the old ball, particularly in the damp London weather, was exemplary and showed maturity well beyond his years.
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𝙈𝙤𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙟 – 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤! 🫡#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND | @mdsirajofficial
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 5, 2025
WATCH 🎥🔽
Conclusion
The fifth Test at The Oval was everything Test cricket aspires to be—gripping, uncertain, dramatic, and unforgettable. It showcased the endurance of the format and reaffirmed its relevance in a world of short-form cricket. With fast bowlers turning the tide, middle-order battles captivating audiences, and rain playing its mischievous part, this match had all the ingredients of a classic.
India’s win was not just about technical brilliance, but about resilience, belief, and execution under pressure. It reminded fans why Test cricket still holds a special place in the sport and why players dream of moments like these.
The image of Mohammed Siraj roaring in celebration, the stumps shattered behind him, will forever remain etched in cricketing memory as a symbol of India’s indomitable spirit and the magic of the longest format of the game.
