In a dramatic finish to the fifth Test at The Oval, India secured an unbelievable six-run victory over England to level the series 2-2 and retain the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. With England needing just 72 runs and seven wickets in hand on the final day, the match appeared to be heavily tilted in their favour.
However, India’s bowlers staged a thrilling comeback, led by Mohammed Siraj who claimed a five-wicket haul, including the final wicket that sealed the result.
Joe Root’s century and Harry Brook’s fluent 111 had seemingly set England on the path to victory, especially when the team stood at 301 for 3 chasing 373. But the tide turned as wickets began to tumble rapidly.
Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna played vital roles in building pressure, and Siraj’s toe-crushing yorker to bowl Gus Atkinson ended the chase at 367. In one of the narrowest Test wins in India’s history, this comeback was hailed as nothing short of miraculous.
Match Summary of Tension and Turnarounds
India had posted 396 in their first innings, with solid contributions from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant. England responded with 419, taking a 23-run lead. In the second innings, India faltered but managed to set a competitive target of 373, thanks to key middle-order runs. On Day 4, England looked in full control with Root and Brook building a mammoth partnership. However, the cracks began to show late in the evening as India tightened the field and bowled with fire.
Day 5 saw early breakthroughs as Prasidh dismissed Brook and Bumrah sent back Root. The momentum shifted as wickets fell in a cluster, with England’s lower-order unable to withstand India’s pressure. Chris Woakes bravely came out to bat despite a dislocated shoulder, but didn’t face a ball. Atkinson struck a boundary and a six to revive hopes, but Siraj’s relentless accuracy ensured a tight finish went in India’s favour.
Fans React to Epic Finale
The dramatic victory sparked euphoric celebrations across the Indian team and fans worldwide. The Indian camp burst into joy, running onto the field in disbelief. Social media exploded with praise for the bowlers and captain Shubman Gill’s leadership under pressure.
Videos of the win and emotional dressing room moments went viral. Cricket lovers and experts alike hailed the game as one of the greatest comebacks in Test history. England too earned admiration for their spirit, particularly Woakes’ decision to bat despite injury. The close result, thrilling cricket, and mutual respect between teams made the finale a memorable chapter in modern Test cricket.
We believe in Siraj bhai pic.twitter.com/I49pbJc2WG
— PredatorX (@Predatorweb3) August 4, 2025
Mohammed Siraj was in his 31st over and still was clocking 145kmph.
– You just cannot stand up and salute this man, the intensity with which he bowled even after playing all 5 Tests is remarkable. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/aKai7OwWVC
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 4, 2025
AWARD KHEL RATNA TO MOHD SIRAJ #INDvsEND
— Vaisakh Nandan (@HerrHankyPanky) August 4, 2025
DSP SIRAJ BOWLED 185.3 OVERS AND PLAYED ALL THE 5 TESTS IN ENGLAND.
– His workload in the 5 Tests was equivalent to playing almost 47 IPL matches. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Mxx9C4Jnb2
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 4, 2025
https://x.com/BCCI/status/1952323320650625427
DSP SIRAJ BOWLED 185.3 OVERS AND PLAYED ALL THE 5 TESTS IN ENGLAND.
– His workload in the 5 Tests was equivalent to playing almost 47 IPL matches. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Mxx9C4Jnb2
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 4, 2025
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