In a truly miraculous display of resilience and skill, India defeated England by a nail-biting six runs in the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval. This stunning victory not only brought India back from the brink but also levelled the fiercely contested series 2-2, setting up a dramatic conclusion to what has been an enthralling contest.
The win was a testament to India’s fighting spirit, largely propelled by a sensational spell of fast bowling from Mohammed Siraj, who completed his fifth five-wicket haul in Test cricket, and crucial breakthroughs from Prasidh Krishna.
England, chasing a challenging record target of 374 runs on a tricky Oval pitch, had seemingly taken control of the match through brilliant centuries from Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (100). The duo forged a formidable 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket, bringing England agonizingly close to what would have been a historic chase.
However, the final day witnessed a remarkable turnaround engineered by the Indian pace battery. Mohammed Siraj was the catalyst, delivering a fiery spell that dismantled England’s middle and lower order. His triple strike on Day 5, which included the vital dismissals of Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, and Gus Atkinson, decisively shifted the momentum back in India’s favor. Supporting him admirably, Prasidh Krishna also chipped in with crucial wickets, sending back Josh Tongue, Jacob Bethell, and the dangerous Joe Root, whose wicket was the turning point.
Despite a valiant one-handed effort from the injured Chris Woakes, who fought alongside Gus Atkinson, England fell short by a mere six runs, collapsing under the sustained pressure. India’s triumph was even more significant given that no team had ever successfully chased a target of 374 runs at The Oval, marking this win as truly exceptional.
The match will be remembered for its thrilling climax, the individual brilliance of Siraj and Krishna, and India’s unwavering resolve to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. This dramatic win ensures that the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series culminates in a thrilling draw, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this rivalry.
