In one of the most dramatic finishes in recent Test cricket history, India edged out England by six runs on the final day of the fifth and final Test at The Oval, leveling the five-match series 2–2 and ensuring the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy was shared.
Chasing a challenging target of 374, England looked poised for victory at 339 for 6 on Monday morning, August 4, with Joe Root (105) and Harry Brook (111) anchoring the innings. However, a stunning collapse triggered by Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna saw the hosts lose their final four wickets for just 28 runs.
Siraj delivered a match-winning spell, finishing with 5 for 104, including the decisive wicket of Gus Atkinson to seal the win. Krishna also played a vital role, claiming 4 for 86 and dismissing Brook just after the batter reached his century.
Earlier, India had posted 224 in their first innings, before England responded with 247 to take a slender 23-run lead. A gritty second-innings effort from the visitors saw them pile up 396, setting England a stiff target.
Despite England’s confident start to the chase, the final day’s collapse proved decisive. In a tense final passage of play, Chris Woakes, nursing a dislocated shoulder, bravely walked in with his arm in a sling to partner Atkinson. The pair narrowed the gap to just seven runs before Siraj bowled Atkinson, handing India their narrowest-ever Test victory.
The result marked a dramatic end to a fiercely contested series. After trailing early on, India clawed their way back to draw level, reinforcing their credentials as a formidable Test side even under tough overseas conditions.
The Oval finale will be remembered for its intensity, the individual brilliance of Siraj and Krishna, and the sheer resilience displayed by the Indian team under pressure.
