In a match that will be remembered for years to come, India pulled off one of their greatest Test victories, beating England by six runs in a dramatic finale at The Oval. The win not only helped the visitors level the five-match series 2-2 but also showcased the fighting spirit and depth of a new-look Indian side under a young captain.
A Record-Breaking Chase Almost Realised
Set a daunting target of 374 in the fourth innings — the highest ever at The Oval — England began their chase with confidence. The pitch was still playable, the outfield quick, and the batting unit inspired by the aggressive Bazball philosophy. No team had chased down more than 263 at this venue, a record that had stood since 1902.
Despite the pressure, England came incredibly close.
-
Joe Root and Harry Brook stitched together a brilliant 195-run stand for the fourth wicket, keeping England well in the hunt.
-
Brook fell just before the final session on Day 4, but Root carried on to reach a superb century.
-
At 301 for 3, England were cruising and the series looked all but sealed in their favour.
India’s Second Innings Foundation
India’s second innings total of 396 gave them the platform to push for a win.
-
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a commanding 118, his innings laced with confidence and class.
-
Washington Sundar added a brisk 53 lower down the order, giving India a late boost and setting a steep fourth-innings target.
The innings came just in time, as the pitch began to wear and offer uneven bounce — something India’s pacers later exploited expertly.
Day 4: The First Signs of a Turnaround
India’s fightback began with patience and discipline on Day 4.
-
Ben Duckett, after looking solid early on, fell to Prasidh Krishna for 54, with KL Rahul taking a sharp catch at slip.
-
Ollie Pope showed brief resistance, hitting three boundaries in a single over but was undone by a Mohammed Siraj delivery that nipped back and stayed low.
-
Siraj, relentless as ever, claimed his 20th wicket of the series, becoming the standout bowler across both sides.
Despite these breakthroughs, Root and Brook’s counterattack brought England right back into the match. But the seeds of India’s comeback were already planted.
The Final Morning: From the Brink of Defeat to Glory
Day 5 began with England needing just 35 runs and India requiring seven wickets — a near-impossible equation for the visitors. But cricket had other plans.
-
Jacob Bethell fell to a poor shot just after Tea on Day 4, and Root’s wicket in the very next over to Krishna opened the door.
-
Mohammed Siraj roared back on the final morning, striking three crucial times including the final wicket of Gus Atkinson with a toe-crushing yorker.
-
Prasidh Krishna took four wickets, playing a key role in dismantling the tail and maintaining pressure from the other end.
-
India bowled England out for 367, clinching a memorable six-run win.
It was the second-smallest margin of victory for India in Test history and one of their greatest comebacks.
Mohammed Siraj: The Match-Winner
Siraj’s performance was nothing short of heroic.
-
He finished with match figures of 9 for 190, including 5 for 104 in the second innings.
-
He was named Player of the Match for his relentless energy and match-winning impact.
-
With 23 wickets, he ended the series as the highest wicket-taker.
His final dismissal — a searing inswinger that uprooted Atkinson’s off-stump — was the perfect exclamation mark on a phenomenal Test.
Captaincy Under the Spotlight: Gill Steps Up
Shubman Gill led India in a full series for the first time and ended on a high.
-
He was tactically sharp on Day 5, choosing not to take the new ball and trusting his bowlers with the old one to exploit reverse swing.
-
He remained calm under pressure, backed his players, and allowed them to execute with clarity.
-
Gill also ended the series as India’s Player of the Series, showcasing leadership with both bat and mind.
Despite criticism during the series — including from veterans like R Ashwin — Gill’s composure and match-awareness in the final Test silenced many doubts.
Words from the Camp
-
KL Rahul called the win one of the most significant in his career and praised Gill’s leadership.
-
Ben Stokes, though injured, lauded both teams for a fiercely competitive series and looked ahead to the Ashes.
-
Head coach Gautam Gambhir and Brendon McCullum agreed on the player awards, praising the contributions of Shubman Gill and Harry Brook.
-
Chris Woakes’ courageous walk to the crease with a sling on his arm was one of the most emotional moments of the match, earning applause from fans and players alike.
A Fitting End to a Gripping Series
From 301 for 3 to 367 all out, the final Test swung like a pendulum on its last day. India’s refusal to surrender, even when odds were stacked against them, defined this series.
-
The 2-2 result is a fair reflection of two evenly matched sides.
-
It marked the beginning of a new era under Shubman Gill, with fresh faces like Jaiswal, Krishna, and Jurel stepping up.
-
It reasserted the relevance and thrill of Test cricket, even in an era of growing focus on white-ball formats.
As the Indian team took a lap of honour around The Oval, one thing became clear — this team is ready to build a new legacy in red-ball cricket.
Final Score
India 396 & 377
England 406 & 367 all out
India won by 6 runs | Series drawn 2-2
Join our community for latest update :- https://kheltantra.in/
