Key Points:
- India defeated England by just 6 runs in the thrilling fifth Test at Kennington Oval, leveling the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 2-2.
- The 6-run victory is India’s narrowest in Test cricket history, beating the previous low of 13 runs in 2004.
- Joe Root set multiple records including 6000 World Test Championship runs and 24 home Test centuries.
- Shubman Gill broke Graham Gooch’s record for most runs in an India-England Test series.
- Mohammad Siraj took 9 wickets in the match, becoming the first Asian bowler with seven Tests of four or more wickets in England.
- Ravindra Jadeja scored six 50+ scores in a single India-England Test series, a new benchmark.
- India’s total runs of 3809 in the series is the highest ever in a five-match Test series.
New Delhi: In a historic and heart-stopping finish at the iconic Kennington Oval, India sealed victory over England by the narrowest margin of 6 runs in the fifth and final Test, leveling the series 2-2. The match was not only a thriller but also a showcase of multiple record-breaking feats from both sides.
India’s Lowest Margin of Victory in Test Cricket
The 6-run margin is now India’s smallest ever winning gap in terms of runs, eclipsing the 13-run victory against Australia at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium in 2004. The slim win epitomizes the intensity and competitiveness woven throughout the series.
England’s Joe Root Shatters Multiple Records
Joe Root, England’s stalwart, was a monumental figure in the match and series:
- First player worldwide to reach 6000 runs in the World Test Championship.
- First to notch 500+ runs thrice in a Test series against India.
- Holds the record for 24 centuries in home Tests globally.
- Second batsman after Don Bradman to score over 2000 home Test runs against a single team.
- Became the first Englishman with 13 Test centuries against one opponent.
Root amassed 7329 runs over 84 Tests at home surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s India home Test tally and trails only Ricky Ponting for the most home Test runs.
Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja’s Standout Contributions
Shubman Gill broke legendary Graham Gooch’s long-standing record for most runs in an India-England Test series with 754 runs. His first innings score of 21 also saw him surpass Sunil Gavaskar’s record for most runs by an Indian captain in a Test series.
Ravindra Jadeja set a new benchmark with six 50+ scores in this series—the first player ever to do so against England in Tests—finishing with 53 runs in the final innings and crossing 500 runs for the series alongside two other Indian batsmen, a historic first for India.
Bowling Highlights and Partnerships
Mohammad Siraj’s match-winning performance included nine wickets (4 in first innings, 5 in second), making him the first Asian bowler with seven Tests of four or more wickets in England. Prasidh Krishna’s impactful four wickets in the second innings sealed the win for India.
England’s opening pair, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, recorded multiple record partnerships, including a 92-run and 50-run stand in the match and reaching over 1000 runs combined against India, second only to the legendary Haynes-Greenidge duo.
Nightwatchman Akash Deep’s Memorable Half-Century
Akash Deep’s gritty knock of 66 as a nightwatchman places him among an elite Indian list, joining Syed Kirmani and Amit Mishra as the only Indian nightwatchmen to score half-centuries in Tests.
Historic Team and Series Totals
India’s combined runs of 3809 across five Tests set a record for the highest total runs by any team in a five-match Test series, narrowly behind Australia’s 3877 in the 1993 Ashes six-match series.
This thrilling match and record-laden series underline the enduring rivalry’s high stakes and extraordinary caliber, setting the stage for anticipations of future India-England clashes filled with fierce competition and cricketing brilliance.
