– Siraj Stars in Series Finale

A Heart-Stopping Finish at The Oval

In one of the most intense Test match endings in recent memory, India defeated England by just six runs on the final day of the fifth Test at The Oval. This narrow win not only leveled the series 2–2 but also ensured India retained the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Heading into Day 5, England needed only 35 runs with four wickets in hand. Centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook had earlier put them within touching distance of victory. Yet, as the drama unfolded, the tide shifted.https://amfarmers.com/

Overcast Skies Set the Stage

The morning began with light drizzle and cloud cover, perfect conditions for seamers. Although England appeared in control, these conditions tipped the scales in India’s favor.

In a show of grit, Chris Woakes walked out at No. 11 despite a dislocated shoulder and his left arm strapped in a sling. His courage symbolized England’s fighting spirit, even as the situation grew tense.https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/mohammed-siraj-has-a-workload-too-right-jasprit-bumrah-put-on-trial-again-you-cant-say-ill-just-bowl-3-overs-101755231060424.html

Siraj’s Match-Winning Spell

The turning point came when Mohammed Siraj unleashed a superb final burst of bowling. He finished with 5 wickets for 104 runs, claiming the decisive scalp of Gus Atkinson with England just seven runs away from victory.

Prasidh Krishna also played a critical role, picking up 4 wickets, ensuring India stayed in the fight. Every fielder was pushed to the boundary in the final overs — a defensive move that maximized the pressure on England’s tail.

Final Scorecard

Result: India won by 6 runs — their narrowest Test victory in history.

Series Draw, Trophy Retained

mohammed-siraj-has-a-workload-too-right-jasprit-bumrah-put-on-trial-again-you-cant-say-ill-just-bowl-3-overs-101755231060424.htmlWith the win, India tied the series 2–2 and retained the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on English soil. Despite England’s dominance in the middle order, the hosts faltered under pressure.https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/mohammed-siraj-has-a-workload-too-right-jasprit-bumrah-put-on-trial-again-you-cant-say-ill-just-bowl-3-overs-101755231060424.html

For Siraj, the performance was a redemption story, overcoming earlier fielding lapses to deliver when it mattered most. His emotional celebration reflected the passion and resilience of this young Indian side.

Why This Test Was Special

This match encapsulated everything that makes Test cricket so captivating — unpredictable shifts in momentum, tactical fielding, heroic comebacks, and fine margins. India’s win will be remembered not just for the scoreboard, but for the mental strength shown under extreme pressure.

England’s decision to let Woakes bat despite his injury was a mark of their fighting spirit, but the Indian bowlers’ discipline and the overcast conditions tipped the balance.

Key Highlights

• India beat England by 6 runs — their narrowest Test win ever
• Series ends 2–2; India retains the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
• Mohammed Siraj: 5 wickets, Player of the Match
• Prasidh Krishna: 4-wicket breakthrough
• Overcast weather favored seamers on the final day
• Chris Woakes batted injured in a heroic last stand