India registered a historic 6-run win over England in the final Test at The Oval, thanks to the brilliant bowling efforts of Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. On the last day, England needed just 34 runs to win with four wickets in hand, while India needed to take all four wickets to seal the match. Siraj set the tone by dismissing Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton, igniting India’s hopes. Prasidh Krishna then rattled Josh Tongue’s stumps, and finally, Siraj cleaned up Gus Atkinson to complete a famous Indian victory.
This win is especially memorable as it marks the first time India has won the fifth Test of a series played overseas.
Siraj was the star with the ball, taking 5 wickets in 30.1 overs while conceding 104 runs in England’s second innings. England appeared to be cruising to victory, thanks to centuries from Harry Brook and Joe Root, who stitched together a massive 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket. But India struck back. Akash Deep dismissed Brook, giving India a much-needed breakthrough. Prasidh Krishna removed Bethell and later dismissed Root as well. Brook scored 111 off 98 balls, while Root made 105 off 152 deliveries. Alongside Siraj’s five-for, Prasidh Krishna picked up 4 wickets and Akash Deep took 1.
First Innings Summary
India, after losing the toss and being asked to bat first, managed only 224 runs. Karun Nair top-scored with 57, but the team fell short of a competitive total. Gus Atkinson was the standout bowler for England with five wickets, while Josh Tongue chipped in with three.
In reply, England scored 247 runs, gaining a slender 23-run lead. Zak Crawley made 64, and Harry Brook contributed 53. For India, both Siraj and Prasidh Krishna took four wickets each, while Akash Deep claimed one.
Jaiswal Shines in Second Innings
In the second innings, India lost two early wickets for just 70 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal then built a solid 107-run partnership with Akash Deep to stabilize the innings. Jaiswal scored 118 with 14 boundaries and 2 sixes, while Akash Deep supported with 66 runs. Ravindra Jadeja (53) and Washington Sundar (53) also scored valuable half-centuries. Josh Tongue starred with the ball for England, taking five wickets, while Atkinson and Overton took three and two respectively.
Brook and Root’s Stand Brings England Close
Chasing 374, England got off to a decent start. Zak Crawley (14) and Ben Duckett (54) added 50 runs for the first wicket. After captain Ollie Pope fell for 27, England stood at 106 for 3. That’s when Joe Root and Harry Brook combined for a 195-run stand, taking the game away from India momentarily. Root scored 105 and Brook made 111. However, a late collapse triggered by India’s bowlers turned the tide dramatically.
Series Ends in a Draw (2-2)
England won the opening Test by 5 wickets. India bounced back with a 336-run victory in the second. England edged the third Test by just 22 runs. The fourth Test ended in a draw, and India’s win in the final Test meant the series ended evenly at 2-2.