Image Source: Business Standard
India’s cricketing faithful witnessed a heart-stopping spectacle at The Oval as Shubman Gill’s young brigade scripted one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent memory, defeating England by six runs in the fifth and final Test to draw the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2. With cricket icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Ajinkya Rahane showering praise, this match will be spoken of for years to come.
A Test for the Ages: How the Drama Unfolded
As England resumed Day 5, needing only 35 runs with four wickets in hand, the odds heavily favored the hosts. But Indian pace spearheads Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna had other plans. Siraj—a bundle of aggression and precision—dismantled England’s hopes, claiming three of the four wickets on the final morning. Prasidh Krishna supported with a crucial wicket, leaving the English side with mounting pressure as the margin grew slimmer with each over.
The defining moment arrived when Siraj, bowling the 89th over, sent in a searing full toss to uproot Gus Atkinson and seal a historic six-run victory with England bowled out for 367 in pursuit of 374. This win now stands as India’s narrowest margin by runs in any Test match in their long cricket history.
Key Highlights and Game Changers
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Centurions from England, Joe Root (105) and Harry Brook (111), had nearly taken the match away from India during a whirlwind fourth day partnership, pushing the hosts as close as 74 runs from victory with seven wickets in hand.
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Rain and bad light on Day 4 created further tension, freezing play with England at 339/6.
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Siraj’s five-wicket haul, ultimately earning him Player of the Match, was backed by Prasidh Krishna’s timely breakthroughs on a spicy, overcast morning—proving crucial to India’s comeback effort.
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Injured allrounder Chris Woakes, batting with one hand in a heroic but ultimately futile act, became a symbol of England’s valiant but unfulfilled chase.
From the Dressing Room and Beyond: Cricket World Reacts
India’s sensational turnaround was lauded by greats and contemporaries alike. Sachin Tendulkar reflected the nation’s pulse, describing the match as absolute goosebumps and calling the squad “Supermen from India.” Ajinkya Rahane summed up the tension and thrill by remarking that Test cricket does not get better than this. Sourav Ganguly, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and others echoed sentiments of pride and excitement, focusing on the resilience and fighting spirit that carried India through.
Series Impact and Road Ahead
This win drew the five-match series 2-2, ensuring the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy remained with India. It also boosted India's standing in the World Test Championship, moving them up to second place in the points table behind Australia. Remarkably, Siraj finished as India’s highest wicket-taker for the series—his 26 wickets setting a new benchmark for the tour.
India’s bench strength, particularly the younger crop led by Shubman Gill, has inspired fresh confidence for future assignments. Their next test assignment awaits in October against the West Indies.
Noteworthy Statistics
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Lowest win margin (by runs) for India in Tests: 6 (vs England, The Oval, 2025)
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Mohammed Siraj: Most wickets in the series (26), Player of the Match in 5th Test
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Series result: India and England share the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, 2-2
In Retrospect
The riveting finish to this series showcased everything cricket lovers cherish—grit, drama, and the triumph of belief. Matches like these reaffirm why Test cricket remains unmatched in sporting theatre, and why Indian cricket’s new generation deserves every ounce of their superstar status.
Source: ICC Cricket, India Today, Indian Express, The SportsTak, News18, Hindustan Times.
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