Mohammed Siraj produced a sensational spell of swing bowling on a gloomy fifth morning at The Oval, helping India clinch a thrilling six-run win over England and level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2. With just 35 runs needed and four wickets in hand, England appeared favourites to seal the series—until Siraj turned the game on its head.
Amidst overcast skies and a light drizzle, Siraj made the old ball talk, generating up to two degrees of swing. He picked up three crucial wickets, finishing with a match-winning five-for, and scripting one of India’s most memorable comebacks on English soil.
Root-Brook Partnership Sets the Stage
The game had tilted in England’s favour on Day 4, courtesy of centuries from Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105). Their 195-run stand rescued England from a precarious position and brought them within touching distance of a historic chase. A brief rain interruption after Tea meant the game spilled into Day 5, with England needing 33 runs and India hunting six wickets.
Drama on the Final Day
Prasidh Krishna resumed the attack with a short ball that Jamie Overton dispatched for a boundary. But India’s fightback began at the other end. Jamie Smith, resuming on 2, was beaten twice before edging behind off Siraj without adding to his tally.
Siraj could’ve had another in the very next delivery, but Gus Atkinson’s edge fell just short of KL Rahul at second slip. However, Overton’s luck ran out soon after, trapped plumb in front by a sharp nip-backer from Siraj. A hopeful review returned ‘umpire’s call’, confirming the dismissal.
Josh Tongue survived a close LBW shout via DRS but was eventually bowled by a searing yorker from Prasidh, leaving England 17 runs short with just one wicket remaining and a wounded Chris Woakes to bat—with his right shoulder in a sling.
England’s Last Stand & Siraj’s Final Strike
Atkinson tried to shield Woakes, refusing singles and targeting big hits. His ambitious six over long-on—helped by Akash Deep, who palmed the ball over the rope—briefly raised hopes. But Siraj had the final say, firing in a pinpoint yorker to castle Atkinson and spark wild celebrations in the Indian camp.
It was a gutsy, hard-fought win that showcased India’s never-say-die spirit and Siraj’s fiery determination under pressure.
Brief Scores
India 224 (Karun Nair 57; Atkinson 5-33, Tongue 3-57) & 396 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 118, Akash Deep 66, Washington Sundar 53, Ravindra Jadeja 53; Tongue 5-125, Atkinson 3-127)
England 247 (Crawley 64, Brook 53; Prasidh 4-62, Siraj 4-86) & 367 (Brook 111, Root 105; Siraj 5-104, Prasidh 4-126)
Result: India won by 6 runs
