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Siraj’s Storm at The Oval: India Seals 6-Run Victory in Historic 5th Test Against England
In one of the most breathtaking finishes ever witnessed in the history of Test cricket, India pulled off a thrilling 6-run victory against England on 4th August 2025 at The Oval, London. With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on the line, the match delivered all the drama, emotion, and magic cricket fans could dream of. The undisputed star of this Test? Mohammed Siraj, whose devastating pace and precision dismantled England’s batting in the dying moments of the game.
This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement, a memory for generations, and a moment that has etched itself into Indian cricketing folklore.
The Context – Final Showdown at The Oval
Coming into the final Test, England led the series 2-1, with one Test drawn. India needed a win to level the series and avoid losing the first-ever Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
The pressure was enormous. The venue? The historic Oval. The weather? Unforgiving. The pitch? Tricky. The crowd? Electrifying. The stakes? As high as they come.
Match Summary at a Glance
| Innings | India | England |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | 224 all out | 247 all out |
| 2nd Innings | 396 all out | 367 all out (Target: 374) |
| Result | 🇮🇳 India won by 6 runs |
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1: England Takes Early Control
India’s decision to bat first after losing the toss backfired early. James Anderson and Ollie Robinson removed the top order with sharp swing. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill failed to convert starts. India crumbled to 224, with only Rishabh Pant (58) and Ravindra Jadeja (44) offering resistance.
England replied with 247, securing a slender 23-run lead, thanks to Harry Brook’s patient 79.
Day 2-3: The Gill-Jadeja Partnership
India’s second innings was built on a rock-solid partnership between Shubman Gill (139) and Ravindra Jadeja (85). Gill, often accused of underperforming in England, silenced critics with one of the most elegant centuries of his career. India’s middle-order capitalized, posting 396 and setting England a daunting target of 374.
Day 4: England Fights Back
England’s openers began positively, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett adding 94 for the first wicket. A collapse saw England slip to 145/4 before Joe Root and Harry Brook stitched a match-defining 156-run stand. By stumps, England needed only 35 runs with 4 wickets in hand.
Day 5: The Siraj Show
Enter Mohammed Siraj, eyes blazing with intensity. What followed was a ruthless display of fast bowling.
- He dismissed Harry Brook, the mainstay of the innings.
- Knocked over Jamie Overton and Atkinson with searing deliveries.
- Left the crowd speechless with a perfect yorker to seal the match.
England were bowled out for 367, falling 6 runs short, despite needing only 35 at the start of the day.
Mohammed Siraj – The Architect of Victory
Match Figures:
- 1st Innings: 4/86
- 2nd Innings: 5/104
- Match Total: 9/190
Siraj’s aggression, pace variation, and consistent line outside off stump created panic in the English camp. Every time he was thrown the ball, he delivered a breakthrough.
“I wasn’t thinking about wickets. Just about hitting the pitch hard,” – Siraj after the match.
From a fiery red-ball rookie to India’s go-to strike bowler overseas, Siraj’s evolution is complete.
Key Turning Points
- Brook’s dismissal on Day 5 – Broke the backbone of England’s chase.
- Jadeja’s spin web on Day 4 – Removed Root with a peach that turned and bounced.
- Gill’s second innings century – The anchor that set the tone for a defendable lead.
- Final over to Atkinson – Siraj’s full-stretch yorker that rattled the stumps and the Oval crowd alike.
Reactions from Cricket Fraternity
Rohit Sharma (India Captain):
“Siraj bowled with his heart. This is one of the proudest wins of my career.”
Brendon McCullum (England Coach):
“We were in control. Credit to India for fighting till the end.”
Harsha Bhogle:
“This will go down as one of the greatest red-ball matches ever played. The drama, the theatre, the skill—breathtaking.”
Impact on the Series
| Series | Result |
|---|---|
| India vs England (2025) | Drawn 2-2 |
| Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy | Shared |
This draw is seen as a moral victory for India, coming back from behind in foreign conditions. It has also reignited the magic of Test cricket.
Statistical Highlights
- Narrowest Test win for India by runs: Previous was 7 runs vs Australia (1980).
- Siraj becomes first Indian pacer to take 20+ wickets in a series in England since Zaheer Khan (2007).
- Gill’s 754 runs in the series – highest by an Indian in England.
Test Cricket Is Alive and Roaring
This match is a living testament to why Test cricket still matters. It’s about endurance, grit, strategy, and heart. It’s about last-day twists, fourth-innings drama, and players like Siraj, who turn ordinary days into legends.
What’s Next for India?
India heads back home to prepare for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy vs Australia, and fans will be hoping the momentum continues.
Upcoming Fixtures:
- Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2025 – October
- Champions Trophy 2025 – December (Pakistan)
Final Word
Test cricket doesn’t often trend globally. But when it does, it’s for matches like these. This wasn’t just a win—it was a warrior’s tale. Siraj didn’t just bowl; he conquered.
As the crowd stood applauding and his teammates lifted him high, one thing was clear:
Mohammed Siraj had just scripted one of India’s greatest Test victories.