In a breath-taking finish at The Oval, India pulled off a stunning six-run victory over England, levelling the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at 2-2. The dramatic win, India’s narrowest ever in Test cricket by runs, was a testament to the team's unwavering belief and resilience, particularly in a match that had a significant impact on their position in the World Test Championship table.
A series of highs and lows
The victory was the culmination of a series that was packed with dramatic twists and turns. England had taken the first Test by five wickets and then regained the lead in the third Test at Lord's, while India had secured a commanding 336-run win in the second Test. The fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford ended in a draw. The final match at The Oval was no different, swinging back and forth with brilliant individual performances from both sides. Shubman Gill, who captained India, finished as the series' leading run- scorer with 754 runs, while England's Harry Brook and Joe Root also scored crucial centuries. The nail- biting finish, which saw Chris Woakes bravely bat with an injured shoulder, epitomised the fierce competition. As India celebrated their historic win, it was a moment of immense pride for the team and a fitting end to one of the most memorable Test series in recent history. The drawn series was a fair reflection of the thrilling cricket played by both nations, leaving fans with an unforgettable spectacle.
Siraj's match-winning performance
The final day began with England in a seemingly strong position, needing just 35 more runs with four wickets still in hand. However, India's fast-bowling spearhead Mohammed Siraj delivered a career- defining performance that turned the match on its head. Stepping up in the absence of the rested Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj unleashed a ferocious spell of pace and swing. He took three crucial wickets on the final morning, including the last one with a pinpoint yorker that clean-bowled Gus Atkinson. Siraj finished with a phenomenal match haul of nine wickets for 190 runs, earning him the Player of the Match award and cementing his place as the series' top wicket-taker with 23 scalps at an average of 32.43.