In a jaw-dropping turnaround at The Oval, India snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, bowling England out for 367 to win the fifth and final Test by six runs and level the series 2-2.
What looked like England’s game to lose, especially after centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook, turned into a thrilling Indian fightback—crafted almost entirely in a breathless final hour of play.
It was a morning that began with England needing just 35 runs and India desperate for four wickets. But within barely 60 minutes of cricket, the visitors flipped the script, dismantling the lower order with surgical precision and remarkable composure.
The star of the show? Mohammed Siraj—India’s tireless warrior—who claimed a stunning 5 for 104, including the final wicket of Gus Atkinson, to seal the win. His fiery spell not only crushed England’s hopes but also crowned him the leading wicket-taker of the series with 23 scalps.
Also read: India beat odds in 5th Test, level series against England in nail-biting finish at Oval
“I always believe in myself, that I can pull off a win from any situation,” said Siraj after the match, his jersey drenched, his spirit unbroken.
England’s collapse from 339/6 to 367 all out in just 46 balls will go down as one of the most dramatic endings to a Test in recent memory. Prasidh Krishna, who took 4 for 126, partnered Siraj in that final assault, tightening the noose around England’s tail with hostile pace and unwavering control.
Heroism wasn’t limited to India. Chris Woakes, nursing a shoulder injury and with his left arm in a sling, came out to bat at No. 11 and showed incredible courage, refusing to walk away even as pain etched across his face. But grit alone wasn’t enough to stop the storm India had unleashed.
Earlier in the series, England had drawn first blood with a five-wicket win at Leeds. India responded emphatically at Birmingham with a mammoth 336-run win. The hosts regained the lead with a narrow 22-run triumph at Lord’s. But it was the fourth Test in Manchester that saw India’s batting spine hold firm to force a draw—setting the stage for Monday’s finale.
Also read: I always believe in myself, says DSP Siraj after winning 5th test for India against England at The Oval
And what a finale it was.
Set a daunting 374 to win, England looked on track at 339/6 before bad light ended play on Day 4. But Day 5 belonged to India—completely and unquestionably—as they completed a comeback for the ages.
What looked like England’s game to lose, especially after centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook, turned into a thrilling Indian fightback—crafted almost entirely in a breathless final hour of play.
It was a morning that began with England needing just 35 runs and India desperate for four wickets. But within barely 60 minutes of cricket, the visitors flipped the script, dismantling the lower order with surgical precision and remarkable composure.
The star of the show? Mohammed Siraj—India’s tireless warrior—who claimed a stunning 5 for 104, including the final wicket of Gus Atkinson, to seal the win. His fiery spell not only crushed England’s hopes but also crowned him the leading wicket-taker of the series with 23 scalps.
Also read: India beat odds in 5th Test, level series against England in nail-biting finish at Oval
“I always believe in myself, that I can pull off a win from any situation,” said Siraj after the match, his jersey drenched, his spirit unbroken.
England’s collapse from 339/6 to 367 all out in just 46 balls will go down as one of the most dramatic endings to a Test in recent memory. Prasidh Krishna, who took 4 for 126, partnered Siraj in that final assault, tightening the noose around England’s tail with hostile pace and unwavering control.
Heroism wasn’t limited to India. Chris Woakes, nursing a shoulder injury and with his left arm in a sling, came out to bat at No. 11 and showed incredible courage, refusing to walk away even as pain etched across his face. But grit alone wasn’t enough to stop the storm India had unleashed.
Earlier in the series, England had drawn first blood with a five-wicket win at Leeds. India responded emphatically at Birmingham with a mammoth 336-run win. The hosts regained the lead with a narrow 22-run triumph at Lord’s. But it was the fourth Test in Manchester that saw India’s batting spine hold firm to force a draw—setting the stage for Monday’s finale.
Also read: I always believe in myself, says DSP Siraj after winning 5th test for India against England at The Oval
And what a finale it was.
Set a daunting 374 to win, England looked on track at 339/6 before bad light ended play on Day 4. But Day 5 belonged to India—completely and unquestionably—as they completed a comeback for the ages.
Brief scores:
- India: 224 & 396
- England: 247 & 367 all out in 85.1 overs (Joe Root 105, Harry Brook 111, Ben Duckett 54; Prasidh Krishna 4/126, Mohammed Siraj 5/104)
