Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna led a spirited bowling display on Day 5 at The Oval to seal a remarkable six-run win for India, levelling the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2. In a game filled with momentum swings, India snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, stunning England in front of a packed home crowd.
A Comeback for the Ages
Chasing 374, England were on course to pull off the highest-ever fourth-innings chase at The Oval—one that hadn’t been achieved in 123 years. Centuries from Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105) powered England into a commanding position with a 195-run fourth-wicket partnership.
But just as the hosts looked set to seal the series 3-1, India turned the tide.
On Day 4, Prasidh Krishna dismissed Jacob Bethell and then scalped Root in the same over, giving India a sliver of hope. However, rain and bad light prevented further progress, leaving the outcome hanging in the balance.
Day 5 Drama: Siraj and Krishna Steal the Show
England resumed at 339/6, needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand. Jamie Overton gave the hosts a brief spark with back-to-back boundaries off Krishna. But Siraj extinguished the hopes quickly.
He struck in his very first over, removing Jamie Smith with a delivery that kissed the outside edge. In his next over, he trapped Overton lbw with a marginal call that umpire Kumar Dharmasena confirmed after some hesitation.
Krishna joined the act, castling Josh Tongue with a brilliant yorker. A battered Chris Woakes walked in with a sling, attempting to hold up one end, but Siraj returned to deliver the final blow—dismissing Atkinson to bowl England out for 367.
Siraj finished with a five-wicket haul—his fifth in Tests—and ended the series as the highest wicket-taker with 23 scalps.
Jaiswal and Sundar Set the Stage
India’s comeback had been brewing since Day 3. After trailing in the first innings, they posted 396 in their second essay—powered by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s classy 118 and Washington Sundar’s brisk 53. The total set England an improbable target of 374—one never chased down successfully at The Oval.
England, true to their Bazball approach, kept the chase alive with positive intent. But the psychological pressure of a big chase eventually took a toll.
Key Moments That Turned the Game
- Siraj’s relentless pressure on Day 4 tested Duckett and Pope, removing both to leave England wobbling at 82/3.
- Brook’s dropped catch by Siraj at the ropes turned into a six but gave the batter temporary relief. He capitalized with his second century of the series.
- Bethell’s reckless stroke post-Tea on Day 4, and Root’s dismissal in the next over, swung the pendulum back towards India.
- Siraj’s morning burst on Day 5 was the final nail in the coffin.
Series Ends 2-2: A Fair Result
This victory marks one of India’s most thrilling overseas wins in recent memory. The five-Test series, filled with ebbs and flows, ends on level terms—2-2—a fair reflection of the fight both sides brought to the pitch.
As Siraj and Krishna led India off the field, it wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. A testament to resilience, belief, and never giving up—even when the odds are stacked sky-high.
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