In a heart-stopping contest that went down to the wire, India defeated England by 6 runs in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, London, to draw the five-match series 2-2. With this win, the Indian team staged a dramatic comeback, powered by Mohammed Siraj’s sensational 5-wicket haul, including the final scalp of Gus Atkinson, which sealed the match in India’s favour on Day 5 morning.
This Test will be remembered for its intense fluctuations, standout individual performances, and a fighting spirit displayed by both sides. From a seemingly improbable position, India held their nerve on the final day to close out one of the most gripping Test matches in recent years.
Day 1: England Dominate with the Ball
England skipper Ollie Poe won the toss and opted to bowl first under overcast skies. The decision paid immediate dividends. India’s top order crumbled against the English pace attack, with only Karun Nair (57) showing any resistance. Gus Atkinson (5/53) was unplayable in his spell, while Josh Tongue (3/47) provided excellent support.
India were bowled out for 224, leaving the visitors on the back foot early in the match.
Day 2: England Collapse After Strong Start
England’s reply began on a dominant note with Zak Crawley (49) and Ben Duckett (43) adding 92 runs for the opening wicket. However, their dismissals triggered a dramatic collapse. From 92/0, England were bowled out for 247, a slender lead of just 23 runs.
The wreckers-in-chief for India were Mohammed Siraj (4/49) and Prasidh Krishna (4/51), who relentlessly attacked the stumps and induced false shots from the middle and lower order.
Day 3: Jaiswal and Akash Deep Lead India’s Charge
India bounced back strongly in their second innings, thanks to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s commanding 118. The young opener was calm under pressure and combined flair with patience. Late fireworks came from unexpected quarters as tailender Akash Deep smashed 66, frustrating England further.
India posted 396 all out, setting England a challenging target of 375 for victory. Josh Tongue was again among the wickets, claiming 5/85, making it a match haul of 8 wickets.
England began their chase late on Day 3, and Siraj delivered a crucial breakthrough, bowling Crawley with the last ball of the day. England ended at 50/1, setting up an intriguing final phase.
Day 4: Root and Brook Stabilize After Early Wobble
Day 4 saw England in early trouble at 106/3, with the Indian seamers making early inroads. But Joe Root (105) and Harry Brook (111) stitched a magnificent 195-run partnership to swing the momentum back in England’s favour. Their control and stroke play put India on the defensive.
However, just before stumps, Prasidh Krishna dismissed Root, inducing an outside edge in fading light – a breakthrough India desperately needed. England closed the day at 337/6, requiring 38 more runs to win with 4 wickets in hand.
Day 5: India Hold Nerve in Final Hour Drama
The final day started with high anticipation, and England looked poised to chase down the target. Jamie Overton struck two early boundaries, but Siraj struck back, trapping him LBW. Then came the moment of drama: Chris Woakes, battling injury with one arm strapped, walked out to bat, showcasing the grit and spirit of Test cricket.
But the end came swiftly. Siraj clean bowled Gus Atkinson, completing his five-wicket haul (5/69) and sealing the match for India. Prasidh Krishna ended with 4/67, providing the perfect supporting act.
England were bowled out for 367, just 6 runs short of the target. The victory not only gave India parity in the series but also showcased their bench strength and mental toughness under extreme pressure.
Match Summary
Result: India won by 6 runs
Series: 5-match Test series drawn 2-2
Player of the Match: Mohammed Siraj (India) – 5/49 & 5/104
Player of the Series: Shubman Gill (India) 754 Runs
📝 Scorecard – India vs England, 5th Test at The Oval
India – 1st Innings: 224 all out
- Karun Nair – 57
- Sudharsan – 38
- Atkinson – 5/33
- Tongue – 3/57
England – 1st Innings: 247 all out
- Crawley – 64
- Duckett – 43
- Siraj – 4/86
- Krishna – 4/62
India – 2nd Innings: 396 all out
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – 118
- Akash Deep – 66
- Tongue – 5/125
England – 2nd Innings: 367 all out
- Harry Brook – 111
- Joe Root – 105
- Siraj – 5/104
- Krishna – 4/126
📌 Final Thoughts
India’s narrow win by 6 runs will be etched in the annals of Test history. From Siraj’s relentless pace to Akash Deep’s surprise knock and Prasidh’s crucial breakthroughs, every player contributed to this epic battle. England, too, showed great grit through Root, Brook, and even an injured Woakes.
Test cricket, once again, proved why it’s the pinnacle of the sport.
