IND vs ENG Highlights – Oval Finale & Series For India (Draw 2–2)
India eked out a historic six-run win over England in the thrilling 5th Test at The Oval, to level the series 2–2. Mohammed Siraj’s match-turning nine-wicket haul sealed India’s closest-ever Test victory.
Table of Contents
India concluded the five-match Test series with a nerve-wracking six-run win at The Oval to draw the series 2–2. Under new captain Shubman Gill, India showcased grit and character in the absence of seniors, with Mohammed Siraj starring with the ball in a legendary performance.
Toss, Venue & Series Context
Venue: The Oval, London
Toss: England’s Ollie Pope won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Series status before match: England led 2–1; India needed a win to retain the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy. A draw would hand England the series.
Ultimately, India’s thrilling win ensured they leveled the series 2–2, retaining the trophy under the rules for drawn series.
Detailed Innings Summary
India’s 1st Innings – 224 all out (69.4 overs)
Top scorer: Karun Nair – 57 (109)
Other notable contributions: Shubman Gill (21), Sai Sudharsan (38), KL Rahul (14), others chipped in.
Extras: 38 (W 16, LB 12, NB 4, B 1, LB 6)
India struggled early, but batting depth allowed a competitive total.
England’s 1st Innings – 247 all out (51.2 overs)
Top scores: Zak Crawley – 64 (57), Ben Duckett – 43 (38)
Others: Pope (22), Root (29), Brook (53), etc.
Extras: 11 (NB 3, B 6, LB 2)
England built solid innings but lost momentum to Prasidh and India’s young pace attack.
India’s 2nd Innings – 396 all out (88 overs)
Century hero: Yashasvi Jaiswal – 118 (164)
Support scores: Akash Deep – 66, Ravindra Jadeja – 53, Dhruv Jurel – 34, Washington Sundar – 53
Extras: 26 (NB 2, W 6, B 13, LB 5)
India’s middle and lower order combined to set a formidable target of 374.
England’s 2nd Innings – 367 all out (85.1 overs)
Key innings: Joe Root – 105 (152), Harry Brook – 111 (98)
Others failed to support due to relentless bowling.
Extras: 23 (NB 1, W 11, B 2, LB 9)
England faltered under pressure and tight Indian bowling in the decisive session.
Final Day Fightback – Siraj & Krishna’s Impact
At the start of Day 5, England required 35 runs with four wickets in hand to seal series 3–1. India’s bowlers responded with courage:
Mohammed Siraj: Took three quick wickets (Smith, Overton, Atkinson) in an over to collapse England. Finished with 5 for 104 in 2nd innings and 9 wickets in match.
Prasidh Krishna: Took four wickets in match, including Josh Tongue, key to India reaching victory.
Final wicket: Gus Atkinson bowled by Siraj to seal India’s six-run victory—their narrowest ever in Test cricket.
Historic Significance & Series Outcome
India’s 6-run win is their smallest-margin Test win by runs, and it came on a dramatic morning at The Oval.
Series ended 2–2, meaning India retained the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy (rules favor holder on drawn series).
Under Captain Shubman Gill, the new leadership demonstrated resilience and adaptability in absence of veterans. Gill also finished the series with 4 centuries and an impressive 75.40 average—second only to Don Bradman in young captains’ records.
Key Players & Moments
Mohammed Siraj: Final match hero; fast, accurate yorker to Atkinson delivered the decisive blow. Emotive celebration captured Indian public imagination.
Prasidh Krishna: Supportive strike spells on both days; underrated star.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Bowled India back into contest with a commanding ton in second innings.
Harry Brook & Joe Root: Built dominant base for England, ultimately undone in collapse.
Chris Woakes: Came out to bat one-handed with injured left shoulder—symbolic resistance, though they fell just short of victory.
Tactical & Emotional Analysis
Bowling Strategy
Morning overcast conditions assisted seam movement. Siraj exploited reverse swing; India used disciplined lines and lengths across seamers (Siraj, Krishna, Deep).
England’s Collapse
Set up by Brook and Root on Day 4 but failed to withstand final session’s pressure. Loss of tail and inability to convert value batting into match-winning chase was critical.
Mental Strength
India displayed exceptional belief and match temperament. Shubman Gill’s leadership and team unity under pressure were central.
FAQs
Q1: Who won the 5th Test at The Oval?
India won by a razor-thin six runs, clinching the final Test.
Q2: What was the final series score?
The Test series ended 2–2 and India retained the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy.
Q3: What were the innings scores for both teams?
India: 224 & 396
England: 247 & 367
Target was 374; India defended successfully by six runs.
Q4: Who were the top performers of the match and series?
Match: Mohammed Siraj (5/104 & 9 wickets) – Player of the Match
Series: Harry Brook (England) – Player of the Series with 481 runs
Captain Shubman Gill led from front with four centuries and average above 75.
Q5: Why is this match remembered historically?
India’s smallest-ever Test win by runs came while chasing a big target under huge pressure. The win leveled a closely fought series, showcasing fighting spirit and the strength of a new generation.
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Conclusion
India’s six‑run win at The Oval will be remembered as one of the greatest Test finishes: emergent fast bowlers, resolute batting, and courageous leadership. While England held the series lead, India’s fourth-innings chase and final-hour bowling under pressure leveled the series 2–2. The result reaffirmed the spirit of Test cricket and introduced a confident new era under Shubman Gill, with Mohammed Siraj’s heroics etched into history.
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