In one of the most gripping Test finishes in modern cricket, India edged England by just six runs in the fifth and final Test at The Oval on August 4, 2025, to level the five‑match Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy at 2–2. Each side claimed two wins and shared the series honors in a battle defined by pace, restraint, and unyielding nerve.
The Lead-up: England Poised for History
England, chasing 374 for victory, appeared to be on course for a historic chase. At 339 for 6, with just 35 runs required on day four, centurions Joe Root (105) and Harry Brook (111) had given England the momentum. However, a collapse late in the day—and rain forced early stumps—set the stage for an intensely dramatic finale
Final Day Drama: India’s Seismic Turnaround
England resumed needing exactly 35 runs with four wickets remaining. But what followed was a stunning turnaround. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna engineered a rapid collapse, picking up key wickets in quick succession; England lost four wickets for just five runs in less than an hour, falling from control to crunch
By late afternoon, England were bowled out for 367, just seven runs short of the target—and six behind India’s total, sealing Indian victory in emphatic fashion.
🧠The Crucial Spells: Siraj’s Heroics, Krishna’s Support
- Mohammed Siraj claimed a fine five‑wicket haul, including three wickets on day five—Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, and Gus Atkinson—becoming India’s match‑winning hero
- Prasidh Krishna offered superb support with disciplined lines and deadly bounce, unsettling England’s lower order throughout the chase
The Gutsy Attempt: Woakes Bats with a Sling
In a moment of sheer courage, Chris Woakes—with a dislocated shoulder—stepped out to bat. Though he never faced a ball, his presence at the crease galvanised England’s last‑stand effort. Partner Gus Atkinson even cleared the boundary for a six off Siraj, bringing them within eight runs, before Siraj sealed it with a yorker to bowl him the next delivery
Series in Perspective: Shared Glory
The result matched one of Test match cricket’s finest finales—India’s grit in English conditions proved its worth, and England’s fightback also showcased character. Harry Brook was named player of the series, while Siraj earned player of the match honors for his lethal spells in critical momentsWith Ben Stokes unavailable due to injury, England relied on Ollie Pope’s leadership. India, under Shubman Gill, lost every toss in the series yet remained mentally composed throughout. Their win at The Oval ensured the prized Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy stays with India, even as England fought valiantly to retain it
đź’ˇ Match Summary
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Aggregate |
| India | 224 | 396 | 620 |
| England | 247 | 367 | 614 |
India wins by 6 runs—a historical ODI-like thrill in the longest format.
Final Thoughts
This Oval Test will be remembered not just for the final moments, but for the collective battle: backup spinners stepping up, lower‑order resilience, audacious batting by Jaiswal (118) and Akash Deep (66), and relentless seam bowling in humid, swing‑friendly conditions. The series ends evenly poised—India celebrates a dramatic draw; England reflects on what might have been.
