Team India pulled off a sensational six-run victory over England in a nail-biting finish at The Oval, ensuring a 2-2 draw in the five-match Test series. Inspirational bowling spells from Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna scripted one of India’s finest overseas Test wins, denying England a series triumph in what turned out to be a heart-stopping contest on Monday.
Defending a daunting 374-run target, India’s bowlers showcased grit and relentless determination to dismiss England for 367, with Siraj claiming a memorable five-wicket haul (5/104) and Prasidh Krishna bagging four (4/126). The win also marked a promising start for the Shubman Gill-led side, who battled through challenging phases across five days to draw the series.
After opting to bowl first, England bundled India out for 224 in the first innings, with Karun Nair’s half-century (52) being the standout performance. England gained a slender 23-run lead, thanks to fifties from Zak Crawley and Harry Brook, before India bounced back through four-wicket hauls from Siraj and Krishna.
India’s second innings saw a much-improved batting display, led by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s masterful 118. The visitors posted 396, setting England a mammoth target of 374 runs. Contributions from nightwatchman Akash Deep (66) and Washington Sundar (53) were pivotal in stretching the lead, while Josh Tongue starred for England with a five-wicket haul (5/125).
England’s chase was nothing short of dramatic. At 317/4, with Joe Root and Harry Brook scoring centuries, the hosts appeared on course for a memorable win. However, India’s pace battery had other plans. Akash Deep’s crucial dismissal of Brook for 111 shifted momentum, before Siraj and Krishna triggered a collapse.
Day five began with England needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand. Siraj struck early, dismissing Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton in quick succession, while Krishna cleaned up Josh Tongue with a lethal yorker. England’s last pair, Gus Atkinson and a hobbling Chris Woakes, chipped away at the target, bringing the equation down to seven runs. But Siraj had the final say, removing Atkinson to seal a famous Indian victory.
“This was a win of pure character. We kept believing even when England had the upper hand,” said Siraj after being named Player of the Match.
Chief Coach Rahul Dravid praised the team’s resilience, especially under pressure. “The way Siraj and Krishna bowled in those final overs showed tremendous heart. This series has been a great learning curve for our young side.”
The match had its share of twists throughout. India’s lower-order contributions proved vital in both innings, while England’s aggressive approach—especially from Brook and Root—kept the contest alive till the very end. However, the Indian bowlers’ persistence ensured they had the last laugh.
The series draw marks a significant achievement for the new leadership group, with captain Shubman Gill lauding the team’s fighting spirit. “We’ve shown that this team never gives up. Drawing this series in England is a huge positive as we build towards future challenges,” Gill said.
Brief Scores:
India: 224 & 396 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 118, Akash Deep 66, Josh Tongue 5/125)
England: 247 & 367 (Harry Brook 111, Joe Root 105, Mohammed Siraj 5/104, Prasidh Krishna 4/126)
With the series now levelled at 2-2, India will head back home with renewed confidence, having proven their mettle in one of the most thrilling Test encounters in recent memory.
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