IND vs ENG 5th Test: India Clinch Dramatic Win To Draw Series 2-2. India pulled off a thrilling victory by six runs over England on Day 5 of the 5th Test at The Oval, leveling the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at 2-2. England needed just 35 runs with four wickets remaining to start the day. They looked the likely winners, but a dramatic collapse ignited by India’s pace attack flipped the game around.
Joe Root (105) and Harry Brook (111) took England to 332-6 with a 195-run partnership in pursuit of the 373 needed to win on Day 4. India’s late strikes allowed India to creep back into the game. India took the last four wickets for just 28 runs on Day 5. Siraj took match match-winning fifer. England came short of the target in one of the most exciting finishes to a Test match in recent memory.
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Siraj Breaks Through in Style
India’s stunning victory was built largely on the back of Siraj. He quickly found his stride, dismissing Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton early to completely erase the momentum from England. Like any great fast bowler, Siraj’s accuracy and pace quickly rattled England’s lower order. After getting Gus Atkinson (17), who had looked fairly composed in his innings, bowled by Siraj, England’s chase finished at 367, just six runs short of the target.
Woakes’ Grit Amidst Injury
England’s last hope was placed on Chris Woakes, who walked to the crease with a dislocated/fractured shoulder from earlier in the match. His arm was tucked inside his jumper, and he was clearly in pain. Woakes did not face a ball but stood up bravely at the non-striker’s end to help Atkinson bat. His actions evoked the days of Anil Kumble’s heroics in 2002 and garnered applause for the spirit of the game.
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A Classic Series Ended on Level Terms
By winning this match, India took the series to 2–2 and denied England a rare home series win. The final day at The Oval had one of the most exciting finishes in Test cricket history, with tension, heroics, and heartbreak in equal measure. As well as Siraj’s commendable bowling performance under pressure, credit must go to England’s fighting performance, especially the bravery of Woakes, to ensure the series concluded classically.
