Mohammed Siraj produced a spell of unrelenting pace and movement to deliver one of India’s most memorable overseas victories, sealing a six-run win over England at The Oval and squaring the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2. In testing, overcast conditions on a drizzly fifth morning, Siraj’s skill with the old ball turned a tense finale into a triumphant moment for the visitors.
England, chasing 35 runs with four wickets remaining, began the day with faint hope of pulling off a remarkable chase. But Siraj’s precision, persistence, and ability to swing the ball late proved decisive, claiming three scalps on the final morning to complete a superb five-wicket haul.
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England’s Fourth-Day Surge Halted by Weather
The hosts entered Day 5 with momentum firmly on their side thanks to Harry Brook and Joe Root’s sublime hundreds the previous afternoon.
Their 195-run partnership had revived England’s pursuit after an early collapse, putting India on the defensive before rain shortly after Tea cut play short. That interruption ensured the final chapter of this gripping contest would unfold under gloomy skies the next morning.
Early Tensions and Close Calls
Resuming with Prasidh Krishna’s unfinished over, Jamie Overton signalled intent with back-to-back boundaries, the first off a confident pull and the second a fortunate edge over the stumps. At the other end, Siraj immediately found his rhythm, twice beating Jamie Smith before finally forcing an edge to KL Rahul behind the stumps.
India almost had another breakthrough next ball when Gus Atkinson’s nick dropped just short of slip. However, the reprieve was brief for England’s tailenders. Overton was trapped LBW by a nip-backer from Siraj, the decision surviving review via ‘umpire’s call’ on the wickets.
Prasidh Joins the Act
Josh Tongue momentarily escaped when ball-tracking overturned an LBW decision off Prasidh, showing it was sliding down leg. But the right-arm quick soon produced a searing yorker to castle Tongue, reducing England to 17 runs away from their target with only an injured Chris Woakes left.
Woakes, batting left-handed with his dominant arm in a sling, received rapturous applause on his arrival. Atkinson shielded him from the strike, refusing singles early in overs and looking for boundaries instead. His aggressive intent nearly cost England when a lofted hit was dropped over the rope by Akash Deep for six.
Siraj Delivers the Final Blow
Despite Atkinson’s resilience, Siraj’s persistence eventually broke England’s last line of defence. A perfectly aimed yorker crashed into the stumps, ending Atkinson’s defiant 17 and sparking wild celebrations from the Indian camp.
This victory, carved out in tense and unforgiving conditions, not only levelled the series but also underlined India’s adaptability and fighting spirit in overseas conditions. Siraj’s five-for will be remembered as the defining act of a match that swung dramatically over its five days.
Brief Scores
India 224 (Karun Nair 57; Gus Atkinson 5-33, Josh Tongue 3-57) & 396 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 118, Akash Deep 66, Washington Sundar 53, Ravindra Jadeja 53; Josh Tongue 5-125, Gus Atkinson 3-127)
beat England 247 (Zak Crawley 64, Harry Brook 53; Prasidh Krishna 4-62, Mohd. Siraj 4-86) & 367 (Harry Brook 111, Joe Root 105; Mohd. Siraj 5-104, Prasidh Krishna 4-126) by 6 runs
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FAQs
Who was the Player of the Match in the 5th Test at The Oval?
Mohammed Siraj was named Player of the Match for his match-winning five-wicket haul in the final innings.
How did the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series end?
The series ended 2-2, with India levelling it through their dramatic victory in the final Test.
What was the key turning point on Day 5?
Siraj’s double strike early on Day 5, removing Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton, swung the match back in India’s favour.
Which players scored centuries in England’s second innings?
Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105) scored centuries, building a 195-run stand that kept England in the chase.
How many wickets did Prasidh Krishna take in the match?
Prasidh Krishna claimed eight wickets in the match, with figures of 4-62 in the first innings and 4-126 in the second.
