Daijiworld Media Network - London
London, Aug 4: In one of the most dramatic finishes in recent Test history, Mohammed Siraj delivered a sensational five-wicket haul to lead India to a heart-stopping six-run victory over England on the final morning at The Oval, leveling the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at 2-2.
England resumed Day 5 needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand, seemingly in control. But India’s pace attack, fired up and fearless, turned the tide in a matter of overs.
Siraj ignited the collapse with two quick blows — Jamie Smith edged behind to Dhruv Jurel, confirmed by UltraEdge, and Jamie Overton was trapped LBW by a jagging delivery. England’s review failed to overturn the decision.
Prasidh Krishna then delivered a searing 141 kph yorker to uproot Josh Tongue’s middle stump, plunging England from 347/6 to 354/9. With 20 runs still needed, a brave Chris Woakes, nursing a dislocated shoulder, limped to the crease. But hope faded quickly.
The final act came with Siraj finding the perfect channel — Gus Atkinson, who had battled to 17, nicked behind, sparking Indian jubilation.
The stunning comeback win was orchestrated without regular captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli, with Shubman Gill leading a youthful squad that showed resilience, skill, and nerve under pressure.
Earlier, Joe Root (105) and Harry Brook (111) had revived England’s chase on Day 4, but the Indian bowlers kept their cool when it mattered most.
Brief Scores
• India: 224 & 396 in 88 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 118, Akash Deep 66; Josh Tongue 5-125, Gus Atkinson 3-127)
• England: 247 & 367 in 85.1 overs (Harry Brook 111, Joe Root 105; Mohammed Siraj 5-104, Prasidh Krishna 4-126)
Result: India won by 6 runs
Series: Drawn 2–2
The match will be remembered not just for its razor-thin margin, but for a new generation of Indian cricketers seizing their moment on one of cricket’s grandest stages.