Set a challenging target of 374, England came agonisingly close before being bowled out for 367, falling just short despite holding the upper hand at several stages. On the final morning, the hosts required 35 runs with four wickets in hand, but India’s fast bowlers turned the tide with a stunning display of discipline and intensity
With this win India not only avoided a series defeat but also retained the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy (Pic: AFP)
India pulled off one of the most thrilling victories in recent Test history, defeating England by just six runs in the fifth and final Test at the Kennington Oval in London on Monday. With this win, the Shubman Gill-led side squared the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 2-2, ending a fiercely competitive five-match contest on a dramatic high.
Set a challenging target of 374, England came agonisingly close before being bowled out for 367, falling just short despite holding the upper hand at several stages. On the final morning, the hosts required 35 runs with four wickets in hand, but India’s fast bowlers turned the tide with a stunning display of discipline and intensity.
Mohammed Siraj emerged as India’s hero yet again, delivering a match-winning spell and finishing with a superb five-wicket haul. The right-arm pacer struck twice in quick succession early on Day 5, removing overnight batters Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton in successive overs to shift momentum firmly in India’s favour. His relentless pace and swing under pressure proved decisive.
Prasidh Krishna also played a vital supporting role. After removing the well-set Joe Root on Day 4 to trigger England’s collapse, he returned on the final day to dismiss Josh Tongue. With England down to their last wicket and still needing 17 runs, an injured Chris Woakes bravely came out to bat with one arm in a sling, but the drama was far from over.
Gus Atkinson, who had held firm, was finally undone by a thunderbolt from Siraj, a full, seaming delivery that shattered his stumps and sealed a famous Indian win. Siraj finished the match with nine wickets overall and emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the series.
The cricketing world erupted with praise following India’s incredible win. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan hailed Siraj’s courage, calling him “an iron body with the heart of a lion.”
Iron body with heart of a Lion 🦁 Mohammed Siraj ❤️
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 4, 2025
Harbhajan Singh also lauded the fast bowlers, writing, “Brilliant from Siraj and Prasidh. What a win! Great Test match. Congratulations to every member of the team. @ShubmanGill Tum sab ne jeeta DIL. Love you guys.”
Brilliant from Siraj and prasidh . What a win for us 🇮🇳 . Great Test match . @mdsirajofficial @prasidh43 @BCCI
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 4, 2025
Congratulations to every member of the team @ShubmanGill Tum sab ne jeeta DIL . Love you guys
Former Australian opener Aaron Finch chimed in, saying, “It was a series that had it all. Five Tests that could have gone either way... 2-2 seems fair!”
It was a series that had it all. 5 test matches that all could have gone either way at different points…2-2 seems fair! #ENGvIND
— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) August 4, 2025
Incredible series! Well done, Well done.
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) August 4, 2025
England going for the Ashes tour after drawing vs India at home #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/KkQBDSqQmz
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 4, 2025
With this win India not only avoided a series defeat but also retained the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
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