In one of the most thrilling Test matches of recent times, India defeated England by just 6 runs in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, leveling the series 2-2. The game had it all—centuries, collapses, drama, and a heroic moment when Chris Woakes, battling a dislocated shoulder, walked out to bat at No. 11 to save the match.
India’s comeback win will go down as a modern classic, with Mohammed Siraj delivering an exceptional performance, supported by Prasidh Krishna and a shock contribution from Akash Deep with the bat in the second innings.
🌟 Hero of the Day: Mohammed Siraj’s Match‑Winning Spell
- Siraj ripped through England’s lower order, finishing with match figures of 5/104, including three crucial wickets on the final morning
- His yorker to bowl Gus Atkinson sealed the thrilling win as England fell short by just six runs in pursuit of 374
🧠 Captain Gill’s Rise: A New Era Begins
- In his first series as captain, Shubman Gill led from the front, smashing four centuries in the series and posting an impressive average of 75.40, second only to Don Bradman in early captaincy stats
- Gill praised the team's resilience and character, particularly highlighting the impact of key dismissals led by Siraj on Day 5
💥 England’s Grit: Chris Woakes Defies Injury
- England’s Chris Woakes shattered expectations by walking out to bat with a dislocated shoulder, arm in a sling, channeling legendary grit akin to Colin Cowdrey’s historic bravery
- While he didn’t face a ball, his presence at No. 11 with 17 needed drew a standing ovation and showcased unmatched resolve
📌 Key Moments of the Final Day
- England resumed chasing 374 with a strong start from Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105), taking the score to 301/3
- However, a dramatic collapse saw them lose 7 wickets for 66 runs, triggered by Siraj’s precise bowling and run-outs
- Jamie Atkinson, shielding Woakes from facing, was yorked by Siraj with 7 runs still needed, ending hopes of a famous chase
🏏 India 1st Innings – Collapse After Karun Nair’s Grit
India started shakily, losing Jaiswal and KL Rahul early. Karun Nair stood firm with a gritty 57, while Sai Sudharsan added 38 off 108. However, Gus Atkinson’s 5-wicket haul broke India’s back.
Total: 224 all out in 69.4 overs
Top Performers:
- Karun Nair – 57 (109)
- Sai Sudharsan – 38 (108)
- Gus Atkinson – 5/33
🔥 England 1st Innings – Brook and Crawley Lead Before Collapse
England replied strongly with Zak Crawley (64) and Harry Brook (53) leading the way. But Siraj and Krishna struck in tandem to restrict them to 247 all out, just 23 runs ahead.
Total: 247 all out in 51.2 overs
Top Performers:
- Zak Crawley – 64 (57)
- Harry Brook – 53 (64)
- Mohammed Siraj – 4/86
- Prasidh Krishna – 4/62
🔁 India 2nd Innings – Jaiswal’s Century, Akash Deep’s Surprise
India’s second innings came to life with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s magnificent 118, and a shock counter-attack by Akash Deep (66 off 94). Washington Sundar and Jadeja chipped in with aggressive fifties to set a target of 374.
Total: 396 all out in 88 overs
Top Performers:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – 118 (164)
- Akash Deep – 66 (94)
- Washington Sundar – 53 (46)
- Josh Tongue – 5/125
🏁 England 2nd Innings – Root & Brook Power Before Siraj’s Show
Chasing 374, England rode on a brilliant 105 from Root and a stunning 111 from Brook. At 301/3, the match seemed over. But then came the collapse. Siraj’s spell, including a yorker to Atkinson, clinched the match for India.
Total: 367 all out in 85.1 overs
Final Wicket Drama:
Injured Chris Woakes, unable to bat through the match, came out at No. 11 to accompany Atkinson. However, Siraj’s pinpoint yorker sealed it.
Top Performers:
- Joe Root – 105 (152)
- Harry Brook – 111 (98)
- Mohammed Siraj – 5/104
- Prasidh Krishna – 4/126
🧤 Bowling Scorecard Highlights
- Siraj – 9 wickets in the match
- Krishna – 8 wickets in the match
- Atkinson – 8 wickets across both innings
- Tongue – 8 wickets across both innings
📅 Series Recap
| Match | Winner | Margin | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | India | 8 wickets | Gill (102), Jadeja (4) |
| 2nd | England | 5 wickets | Stokes (91), Woakes (6w) |
| 3rd | England | Innings & 12 | Root (148), Anderson (5w) |
| 4th | India | 34 runs | Siraj (7w), Jaiswal (77) |
| 5th | India | 6 runs | Siraj (5w), Brook (111) |
Final Series Result: Drawn 2-2
❓ FAQs
❓ Who was the hero for India in the 5th Test?
A: Mohammed Siraj – with 9 wickets in the match, including the final dismissal.
❓ What was the turning point of the match?
A: England’s collapse from 301/3 to 367 all out. Siraj and Krishna dismantled their middle-lower order.
❓ Who was the unexpected contributor for India?
A: Akash Deep – scored a crucial 66 in the second innings to set a strong total.
❓ How did Woakes show courage?
A: Despite injury, Chris Woakes walked in at No. 11 to give England a final hope.
❓ What’s next for India and England?
A: India prepares for the Sri Lanka tour. England turns focus to Ashes 2025-26.
❓ Who took the final wicket to seal the win?
A: Mohammed Siraj bowled Gus Atkinson in the final session to clinch the match by six runs
❓ Did Chris Woakes face a delivery?
A: No — England’s No. 11, Woakes, came out injured but never faced a ball, though his presence was highly symbolic.
❓ What was the series result?
A: India and England drew the five-match Test series 2‑2, sharing the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy .
❓ Was this India’s narrowest Test win ever?
A: Yes — winning by just 6 runs makes it one of India’s tightest victories in Test cricket history
🏁 Final Thoughts
This match was a reminder of Test cricket’s charm. From Jaiswal’s elegance to Siraj’s fire, and Woakes’ bravery, this game will be remembered for decades.
"Cricket isn’t just a sport. It’s a battle of willpower and belief."
India wins the battle, England earns the respect. Series ends 2-2.