Oval: After a nail-biting rollercoaster of twists and turns, India emerged victorious in the fifth Test at The Oval, defeating England by six runs to level the series 2-2. The match will be remembered not just for the tight finish, but for the heroics of Mohammed Siraj who shouldered India’s hopes, silenced critics, and sealed the game with a stunning five-wicket haul in the final innings.
Chasing a daunting target of 374 runs, England were dismissed for 367, falling heartbreakingly short despite a strong start on the fifth day. Resuming at 339 for 6, the hosts needed just 35 more runs to win. With Jamie Overton launching back-to-back boundaries off Prasidh Krishna in the opening over of the day, the tension in the Indian camp was palpable. But Siraj had other plans.
In a spell that epitomized raw nerve and relentless spirit, Siraj struck in his very first over of the day removing Jamie Smith for 2, caught behind by Dhruv Jurel. He then dismissed Overton LBW in the 80th over, swinging the momentum back in India's favour. Prasidh Krishna followed up with a lethal delivery that clean-bowled Josh Tongue, adding to the mounting English woes.
Despite a last-ditch effort from Chris Woakes, who walked in despite a shoulder injury, and Gus Atkinson's resistance at the other end, England’s hopes crumbled. The decisive blow came in the 86th over when Siraj clean-bowled Atkinson, sparking wild celebrations among Indian players and fans alike.
Siraj's redemption arc from Day 4, where he dropped a crucial catch off Harry Brook, was poetic. Unfazed by the backlash, he rose to the occasion and delivered one of the finest spells of his Test career. Finishing with 5 wickets in the final innings and emerging as the leading wicket-taker of the series, Siraj rightfully earned the Player of the Match award.
Prasidh Krishna also shone brightly, bagging four wickets in a gripping contest that tested nerves and grit. Together, the duo dismantled England’s lower order, turning what seemed like a sure-shot English win into an unforgettable Indian triumph.
India’s win at The Oval will go down as one of the greatest comebacks in recent Test history not just for the result, but for the drama, courage, and the brilliance of a bowler who refused to give up.
For Indian fans, this wasn’t just a victory. It was an emotion. And at the heart of it all stood one man: SIIIUUUraj!