India pulled off a nail-biting six-run victory over England in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, drawing the series 2-2 after six weeks of intense and closely-fought cricket.
Chasing 374 to win, England were bowled out for 367, with Mohammed Siraj sealing the match by dismissing Gus Atkinson for 17. Siraj, who took 5 wickets for 104 runs in the innings, was the standout performer for India and finished the series with 23 wickets.
In a dramatic finish, injured England all-rounder Chris Woakes came out to bat at No. 11 with his arm in a sling but did not face a ball as Atkinson fell shortly after. Earlier in the innings, Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105) gave England hope with a 195-run partnership, but India’s bowlers held their nerve under pressure.
India’s second innings total of 396, featuring a century from Yashasvi Jaiswal and half-centuries from Akash Deep, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja, set England a challenging target. Despite a strong start, England couldn’t hold off India’s pace attack on a tense final day.
This Test win was a memorable finish to a fiery and hard-fought series. All five matches went to the final day, with both teams showing moments of brilliance and aggression. With the Ashes up next for England in November, this series will be remembered for its drama, skill, and intensity.
