India sealed a nerve-wracking six-run victory over England in a thrilling finish at The Kia Oval on Monday, levelling the five-match Test series 2-2 after six weeks of gripping cricket.
Mohammed Siraj starred with a five-wicket haul (5-104), wrapping up the contest by bowling Gus Atkinson for 17, as England were bowled out for 367 while chasing 374 — their second-highest target in Test history.
The drama peaked when England’s No. 11, Chris Woakes, who had dislocated his shoulder while fielding on day one, walked out to bat with his arm in a sling after the fall of the ninth wicket. However, he did not face a delivery, with Atkinson keeping the strike until Siraj shattered his stumps to trigger wild Indian celebrations.
Earlier, a dropped catch by Siraj on day four gave Harry Brook (111) a reprieve on 19. Brook, alongside Joe Root (105), put on a 195-run fourth-wicket stand, powering England to 301-3 and setting the stage for a potentially historic chase.
But India’s bowlers roared back under cloudy skies and with loud support from the traveling fans. England ended day four at 339-6, with the final day promising a tense finish. That’s exactly what unfolded, as Jamie Overton smacked two early boundaries to reduce the target, but Siraj dismissed Jamie Smith and trapped Overton lbw shortly after.
Atkinson briefly kept England’s hopes alive, launching Akash Deep over midwicket for six to bring the target down to 11 runs. But Siraj’s persistence paid off, denying England a famous win and ending a fiercely fought series.
Series of the Ages
The enthralling contest featured standout performances, verbal spats, and high-octane finishes — every Test going into the fifth day. Tempers flared throughout, particularly after Zak Crawley’s time-wasting in the third Test at Lord’s, which sparked on-field tensions that lingered through to the finale.
India’s Prasidh Krishna (4-126) also played a crucial role, dismissing Josh Tongue late on before Woakes made his valiant yet symbolic appearance at the crease.
This defeat marked the fourth time in a row that England have lost the final Test of a series, following similar endings against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and New Zealand. They have now gone winless in their last four five-match series, with their most recent triumph coming in 2018 — a 4-1 win against India.
Focus Turns to The Ashes
With The Ashes in Australia looming this winter, England must address key questions, particularly regarding their spin options. However, with Australia’s top order looking uncertain, England head Down Under with renewed hope and confidence.
Ex-opener David Warner has already stoked the rivalry, promising a fiery contest. England, meanwhile, will aim to win the urn overseas for the first time since 2010-11.
India Leave With Heads Held High
Despite not securing a series win, India will take pride in a hard-fought draw — arguably a result that flattered England. The tourists looked the better side across more sessions throughout the series and ended a string of disappointing Test campaigns after losing 3-0 to New Zealand and 3-1 in Australia.
The result may also ease pressure on head coach Gautam Gambhir, who had an off-field altercation with Oval groundsman Lee Fortis ahead of the final Test.
Looking ahead, the future appears bright for India. Mohammed Siraj, who took 23 wickets in the series, captain Shubman Gill (754 runs), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and KL Rahul form a strong core for upcoming challenges.
India will next host the West Indies and South Africa in a packed home Test calendar, while England set their sights on reclaiming the Ashes.
If this series is anything to go by, cricket fans can expect another classic when England and Australia lock horns later this year.
