On a nerve-wracking final morning at The Oval, India produced a spectacular four-wicket burst to defeat England by six runs and tie the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2, led by Mohammed Siraj’s blazing five-wicket haul.
With four wickets remaining and just 35 runs needed at the start of Day 5, England was the clear favorite. However, Indian seamers, who were unrelenting and motivated, tore through the lower order of the hosts to write one of their best foreign heists.
Siraj had a spectacular first burst, scoring twice. Jamie Smith edged to Dhruv Jurel after flirting outside off, and UltraEdge confirmed a clean spike. England’s review was unsuccessful as ball-tracking confirmed umpire Kumar Dharmasena’s ruling after Jamie Overton was trapped in front by a shrewd nip-backer moments later.
Then, to huge cheers, Prasidh Krishna delivered the knockout blow, a vicious yorker at 141 kph that broke Josh Tongue’s middle stump. England dropped from what appeared to be a comfortable 347/6 to 354/9. Chris Woakes, with a dislocated shoulder but an unwavering spirit, trudged to the crease with one wicket remaining and 20 runs needed.
Not long after, the climax occurred. To give India a thrilling 6-run victory, Siraj hit the ideal length, and Gus Atkinson, who valiantly fought for 17, slipped behind.
For a young Indian team captained by Shubman Gill without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, it was a historic return. Even though their absence was a major concern early in the series, India’s youthful brigade took advantage of their opportunity thanks to bursts of brilliance and a strong pace assault.
Joe Root and Harry Brook’s centuries on Day 4 had earlier pulled England back into the game, but India’s poise and discipline won out, ensuring a fitting 2-2 conclusion to an exciting five-match series.
India’s Player of the Series is Shubman Gill. With 754 runs at 75.4 and a top score of 269, the incoming Test captain for India has an impressive record.
Harry Brook wins Player of the Series for England. He scored 481 runs at an average of 53.44 and a high of 158.
Mohammed Siraj wins the title of Player of the Match! A well-earned honor for the pacer who spearheaded India’s assault without Bumrah.
“Great win by team india. Resilience and determination from Siraj and Prasidh has given us this phenomenal victory. Special mention to Siraj who will put everything on the line for the team. Extremely happy for him @mdsirajofficial @prasidh43,” Virat Kohli wrote on X.
Brief scores: India 224 & 396 in 88 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 118, Akash Deep 66; Josh Tongue 5-125, Gus Atkinson 3-127) beat England 247 & 367/10 in 85.1 overs (Harry Brook 111, Joe Root 105; Mohammed Siraj 5-104, Prasidh Krishna 4-126) by six runs.