With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on the line, Team India head into the fifth and final Test at The Oval with the chance to level the series 2-2. Though England hold the edge on paper, leading 2-1, it’s India who carry the momentum after a dramatic turnaround in the previous Test at Old Trafford.
Final Chapter of a Riveting Series
What began as a tour tilted heavily in England’s favor has transformed into a tight, emotionally charged contest. Now, Shubman Gill’s men have one final shot at glory in what has been a series full of setbacks, comebacks, and high drama.
“There are two ways to look at this tour,” said a team source.
“One: we’re missing three of our most experienced players. Or two: we have a phenomenal opportunity to do something special for the country. There’s no greater honor.”
Recapping the Rollercoaster
- 1st Test – Headingley: England drew first blood with a 5-wicket win, led by centuries from Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett. Gill and Pant also scored hundreds, but it wasn’t enough.
- 2nd Test – Edgbaston: India bounced back strongly, crushing England by 336 runs. Captain Gill led from the front with a double-century and another big hundred in the second innings.
- 3rd Test – Nottingham: England edged ahead again in a nail-biter, winning by 22 runs. Ben Stokes starred with the ball while Joe Root anchored with a classy ton.
- 4th Test – Old Trafford: With the series slipping away, India staged a gritty rescue act. Ravindra Jadeja (107*) and Washington Sundar (101*) batted through the final day to salvage a draw and keep the series alive.
The Oval Awaits: Grit vs Glory
As the stage shifts to The Oval, India face one last battle—not just against England, but against the odds. With key players like Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah sidelined, the responsibility falls squarely on the young shoulders of Gill and his spirited squad.
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