Key Points:
- India defeated England by a narrow margin of 6 runs in the decisive 5th Test at Kennington Oval.
- The Test series is now tied 2-2, matching the historic Anderson-Tendulkar series.
- Mohammad Siraj starred with a career-best 9 wickets, including crucial breakthroughs in both innings.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a vital century (118) in India’s second innings, anchoring the comeback.
- England took a 23-run first innings lead but faltered chasing 374 in the fourth innings.
New Delhi: In an electrifying finale to the five-match Test series, India eked out a narrow 6-run victory over England at the iconic Kennington Oval. With this win, India leveled the series 2-2, matching the drama and intensity reminiscent of the memorable Anderson-Tendulkar days.
Day 1: England Elects to Bowl; India Bowl Out for 224
England won the toss and decided to bowl first. The English bowling attack quickly dismantled the Indian batting lineup, limiting them to 224 runs. Karun Nair top-scored with a gritty 57, supported by contributions from Sai Sudarshan (38), Washington Sundar (26), Dhruv Jurel (19), and Shubman Gill (21). Outstanding new-ball bowling from Gus Atkinson, who claimed 5 wickets, was pivotal for England, with Josh Tongue and Chris Woakes chipping in with 3 and 1 wicket respectively.
England’s First Innings: Taking a 23-Run Lead
The hosts responded with 247 runs in their first innings, gaining a slim lead of 23 on the back of solid innings from Jack Crowley (64), Ben Duckett (43), Joe Root (29), Harry Brook (53), and Ollie Pope (22). India’s bowlers fought back, with Mohammad Siraj and Prasidh Krishna each taking 4 wickets, ensuring England’s advantage was marginal and providing hope for India’s second innings.
India’s Impressive Second Innings Revival: 396 Runs
In a spirited comeback, India piled up 396 runs in their second innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the star with a brilliant 118-run innings, steadying the ship when it mattered most. All-round contributions came from Ravindra Jadeja (53), Washington Sundar (53), and Akash Deep (66), complemented by runs from Gill, Karun Nair, and Jurel adding crucial lower-order resistance.
England’s bowling spearheaded by Josh Tongue, who took 5 wickets, along with Gus Atkinson (3 wickets), and Jamie Overton (2 wickets), tried desperately to stem the flow but could not prevent India from setting a challenging target of 374.
Final Innings: England Falls Short by 6 Runs
Chasing 374 runs for victory, England fought valiantly but fell agonizingly short by just 6 runs. Mohammad Siraj was decisive once again, ending with a career-best 9-wicket haul across both innings, underlining his match-winning contribution and sealing the thrilling victory for India.
This dramatic win reflects India’s resilience and fighting spirit, leaving the series tied 2-2 and setting the stage for an epic rivalry to continue with renewed intensity.
