One of the greatest matches in the history of Test cricket unfolded at The Oval as India sealed a gripping six‑run win over England, levelling the five‑Test series at 2-2. This was not just a result; it was a masterclass in Test drama, tension, and quality to seal what was one of the greatest Test series in the modern era.
Set a target of 374 and cruising at 301/3, thanks to centuries from Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105), England brought the finish line into sight. A 195-run stand had fans dreaming of a statement series win.
By stumps, England still needed 35 runs with four wickets in hand, but the momentum swung again early on Day 5. India clawed back control, England lost the last seven wickets for just 66 runs, bowled out for 367.
Mohammed Siraj, Player of the Match, claimed a heroic five-wicket haul: he dismissed Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton and Gus Atkinson with a last-ball yorker to clinch the win, while Prasidh Krishna ran through the tail. England’s Chris Woakes came out to bat with a dislocated shoulder, adding to the surreal tension.
Why This Was One of the Great Test Series
Action from first ball to last: Four of the five Tests (including the decider) ended in the final innings of the final day, offering unbroken tension for nearly two months.
Epic statistics & records: The series delivered 11 centuries, 350+ innings, huge partnerships (including Root-Brook), and among the highest-scoring away series ever, showcasing the best of bat vs ball.
Moments of magic and resilience: The contest featured heroic efforts, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century saved on a mind-bending fielding error, Fantastic slip catches, Jofra Archer returning to make an impact, and Shoaib Bashir taking wickets with a cracked finger. These are the types of moments Test lovers live for.
Key Players of the Battle
Mohammed Siraj: Bowled over 160 overs across the series, showing relentless intensity. His five-wicket haul in the final innings sealed India’s narrowest Test win in history, a performance full of heart and grit.
Harry Brook: Scored nearly 500 runs with explosive strokeplay. His consistent dominance earned him Player of the Series, proving his credentials as England’s most exciting batting talent.
Shubman Gill: Tallied over 700 runs and led calmly as captain. His maturity and composure at the crease anchored India’s batting and showcased leadership beyond his years.
Joe Root: Passed 11,500 career Test runs to become the second-highest run-scorer in history. Scored over 400 runs in the series with trademark fluency and resilience.
Ben Stokes: Returned to bowling with impact, delivering crucial breakthroughs with short, hostile spells. Stokes also scored his first ton in over two years.
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