India defeated England by 6 runs in the 5th Test match of the five-match series at The Oval. Mohammed Siraj took 3 of the 4 remaining wickets needed to seal the win. At one stage, England were cruising at 300/3 with Joe Root and Harry Brook at the crease, and the match seemed firmly in their control.
However, Prasidh Krishna struck twice in quick succession, and then Siraj took charge. Together, both bowlers pulled the match back from the jaws of defeat. Siraj finished with figures of 5/104, while Krishna took 4/126 — claiming 9 out of England’s 10 wickets in a stunning finish. With this win, India levelled the Test series 2-2.

Overcast Morning, Packed Oval, and a Tense Finish

On a gloomy Monday morning in South London, thousands of fans packed the Oval for what turned out to be one of the most thrilling finishes in Test cricket history. In just 53 balls, Mohammed Siraj delivered a breathtaking spell that led India to a nail-biting six-run win over England. It was India’s closest-ever Test victory.

Rain Changed the Course – Then Siraj Took Over

Rain on Day 4 had halted England’s progress. At the time, Harry Brook and Joe Root were threatening to chase down a huge target of 373. Siraj’s fiery spell had already begun to shift momentum back in India’s favour.

When Day 5 began, England needed just 35 runs with three wickets in hand. Jamie Overton smashed two early boundaries off Prasidh Krishna, and for a moment, it looked like England might cruise to victory.

But Siraj had other plans.

Siraj’s Redemption Begins

Siraj was determined not to let the match slip. The day before, he had misjudged a catch at the boundary, gifting Brook six runs. That moment stung him deeply. Now, with 27 runs to defend, he came charging in again.

He bowled with pace and movement, and soon dismissed Jamie Smith with a wide delivery that took the edge. The catch was taken by keeper Dhruv Jurel, confirmed after a review. Suddenly, the momentum swung back to India.

Gus Atkinson, the new batter, survived his first ball. On the other end, Overton kept trying to hit out but found six fielders patrolling the boundary.

Then Siraj trapped Overton leg-before-wicket with a sharp inswinger. After a long pause, umpire Kumar Dharmasena raised his finger. Overton’s review failed. England were in deep trouble.

Krishna Strikes as the Tension Builds

Next, Josh Tongue was pinned by Krishna, but his review saved him. Krishna wasn’t done. In his next over, he bowled a deadly yorker to clean up Tongue for a duck. Now, England were 357 for 9.

The crowd held its breath.

Out walked Chris Woakes, injured, with one arm in a sling. His job: just survive while Atkinson tried to score the remaining 16 runs. It was a scene reminiscent of Colin Cowdrey returning with a broken arm at Lord’s in 1963.

Atkinson Fights Back, Woakes Struggles

Atkinson managed a stunning six, lofting Siraj over deep midwicket. Fielder Akash Deep leapt but couldn’t stop it. Woakes scrambled for a single off the final ball, visibly in pain as his injured arm bounced out of the sling. Now only nine runs were needed.

Atkinson took a couple off Krishna and then retained strike with a smart single. The tension was unbearable. England were one shot away from leveling the score.

Siraj Ends It in Style

Siraj ran in for his final ball. Atkinson went for a big shot. But this time, Siraj’s yorker crashed into the stumps. Game over. Siraj celebrated with his trademark “siu”, arms wide open. His teammates rushed in. Indian fans erupted, both at the ground and across the nation.

This thrilling finale capped off one of the most unforgettable Test series in recent memory.

Brief Scorecard