In a breathtaking finish at The Oval on August 4, 2025, India clinched a historic six-run victory over England on the final day of the fifth Test match, leveling the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at 2-2. This victory, India’s narrowest in Test cricket history, was orchestrated by a fiery bowling performance led by Mohammed Siraj, who delivered a match-winning spell of 5/104.
England, chasing a target of 374, began Day 5 needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand but crumbled under pressure, finishing at 367/10. The match showcased the intensity and unpredictability of Test cricket, with India’s bowlers turning the game in their favor against all odds.
The overcast conditions at The Oval played into the hands of India’s seamers, particularly Siraj, who struck early by dismissing Jamie Smith in his first over of the day. His relentless accuracy and ability to exploit the seam movement triggered a dramatic collapse, with key wickets falling in quick succession.
Prasidh Krishna complemented Siraj’s heroics, taking 2/40, including a brilliant yorker to dismiss Josh Tongue. Despite a brave effort from an injured Chris Woakes and a fleeting fightback from Gus Atkinson, England fell agonizingly short, handing India a victory that will be remembered as one of the greatest in Test cricket history.
England’s Precarious Start
England resumed Day 5 at 339/6, with Jamie Overton and Jamie Smith at the crease, needing just 35 runs to secure the series. The English camp was optimistic, given Smith’s ability to handle pressure and Overton’s aggressive batting. However, the overcast skies and mild cloud cover provided ideal conditions for India’s seamers. India’s strategy was clear: rely on Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna to exploit the conditions and defend the slender target.
Mohammed Siraj’s Fiery Spell
Mohammed Siraj, who had been inconsistent earlier in the series, rose to the occasion on Day 5. In his first over, he dismissed Jamie Smith for 2, caught behind by Dhruv Jurel after a sharp delivery that seamed away. This early breakthrough set the tone, putting England’s lower order under immediate pressure. Siraj’s next blow came in the 81st over when he trapped Jamie Overton lbw for 9, reducing England to 354/8, still 20 runs short of the target. His spell of 3/9 in the morning session was a masterclass in pressure bowling, combining pace, accuracy, and movement.
The defining moment came in the 86th over when Siraj delivered a pinpoint yorker to clean bowl Gus Atkinson for 17, leaving England at 367/9. Atkinson had briefly raised English hopes with a six off Siraj, but the Indian pacer’s persistence paid off. Siraj finished with figures of 5/104 in the second innings and 9/190 in the match, earning him the Player of the Match award. His performance also saw him finish as the series’ leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets, cementing his status as a cornerstone of India’s pace attack.
Prasidh Krishna’s Crucial Support
Prasidh Krishna played a vital supporting role, taking 2/40 in England’s second innings. His late burst on Day 4 had already shifted momentum towards India, and on Day 5, he continued to apply pressure. Krishna’s standout moment was a brilliant yorker to dismiss Josh Tongue in the 83rd over, reducing England to nine wickets down. His final wicket, that of Chris Woakes, sealed India’s victory. Indian coach Morne Morkel praised Krishna’s potential, noting his ability to deliver under pressure as a sign of his growing stature as a Test bowler.
England’s Collapse
England’s batting lineup, which had looked solid at 301/3 on Day 4, unraveled on the final day. Jamie Overton showed brief aggression, hitting back-to-back boundaries off Krishna, but his dismissal to Siraj was a turning point. A missed opportunity came when Dhruv Jurel and Akash Deep dropped a catch off Atkinson, giving England a momentary lifeline. However, Siraj’s relentless bowling ensured that this reprieve was short-lived. Chris Woakes, batting with a shoulder injury and limited to one-handed shots, displayed remarkable bravery but could only manage a single before falling to Krishna’s yorker.
A DRS decision that saved Josh Tongue temporarily kept England’s hopes alive, but Krishna’s precision ended any chance of a miracle. England’s collapse from 339/6 to 367/10 was a testament to India’s bowling discipline and ability to seize critical moments.
Post-Match Reactions
Indian captain KL Rahul expressed immense pride in the team’s resilience, stating, “This series draw means a lot to us. We were 2-0 down, but we believed in ourselves and fought back. This victory is a testament to our hard work and determination.” Shubman Gill echoed these sentiments, adding, “Leading the team in such a high-pressure series has been a great learning experience. I’m proud of how the bowlers stepped up on the final day.”
England captain Ben Stokes was gracious in defeat, saying, “India deserved this win. Their bowlers, especially Siraj, were outstanding. We fought hard, but they were better on the day.” Stokes also praised Chris Woakes for his courage, noting, “Woakes coming out to bat with an injury showed the spirit of this team.”
The 2-2 series draw leaves both teams with plenty to build on. India will take confidence from their comeback, particularly the emergence of Siraj and Krishna as a potent pace duo. England, despite the loss, showed resilience and will look to refine their approach in future series. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has once again proven to be a fiercely contested rivalry, and fans can expect more thrilling encounters in the years to come.
Also Read: ENG vs IND: Mohammed Siraj’s Five-Wicket Haul- A Game-Changer At The Oval