Siraj’s Fiery Five-for Powers India to Thrilling Six-Run Win, Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Ends 2-2

London, Aug 2025: Mohammed Siraj delivered a sensational five-wicket haul as India orchestrated a remarkable turnaround on a nerve-wracking final morning at The Oval, snatching a dramatic six-run victory over England to level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2.

Starting Day 5, England needed a mere 35 runs with four wickets in hand and seemed poised for victory. But India’s relentless pace duo of Siraj and Prasidh Krishna had other plans, launching an inspired assault on the hosts’ lower order to script one of India’s most thrilling overseas triumphs in Test history.

Siraj ignited the collapse with a double strike in a ferocious opening burst. Jamie Smith edged a probing delivery to keeper Dhruv Jurel, with UltraEdge confirming a clean nick. Moments later, Jamie Overton was trapped plumb in front by a sharp nip-backer. England’s review was in vain as ball-tracking upheld umpire Kumar Dharmasena’s original decision.

With England suddenly reeling at 351/8, Prasidh Krishna delivered the knockout blow, producing a searing 141 kph yorker that uprooted Josh Tongue’s middle stump. England had slumped from 347/6 to 354/9, still needing 20 more runs.

Chris Woakes, battling a dislocated shoulder, hobbled out to join Gus Atkinson in a desperate last-wicket stand. The tension soared with every run, but Siraj sealed the deal with a delivery that kissed the perfect length, inducing a thin edge from Atkinson to Dhruv Jurel. India’s players erupted in joy as they clinched a nail-biting six-run victory, their narrowest ever in Test cricket.

This triumph marked a defining comeback for a young Indian side, led by Shubman Gill in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Though the absence of their senior statesmen was felt early in the series, India’s new-generation stars, fuelled by a fiery pace attack, rose to the occasion when it mattered most.

On Day 4, Joe Root and Harry Brook had given England a firm grip on the match with centuries that brought the hosts tantalizingly close to a series-clinching win. But India’s discipline, resilience, and incisive bowling on the final morning tilted the scales in their favour, ensuring the series ended in a 2-2 deadlock after five enthralling Tests.

Former England spinner Monty Panesar hailed India’s victory as one of their finest overseas performances, drawing parallels with the legendary 2005 Ashes series between England and Australia. “It’s a famous victory for India. Siraj and Krishna were outstanding with the old ball. This has been the most exciting Test series since the 2005 Ashes,” Panesar remarked.

He further added, “I believe we’ll see more five-Test series between India and England in the future. The excitement, intensity, and quality of cricket have been absolutely brilliant. While both teams had their moments, India probably played the better cricket overall.”

Day 5 had started with all results still possible. England resumed at 339/6, just 35 runs away from sealing the series. India, on the other hand, needed four wickets on a pitch that had flattened out. But Siraj continued from where he had left off on Day 4, hitting the right channels and maintaining relentless pressure.

Siraj finished with figures of 5-104 in 30.1 overs, while Prasidh Krishna claimed 4-126 in 27 overs, their partnership decimating England’s hopes in a dramatic four-wicket burst that saw the hosts lose their last four wickets for just 28 runs.

For Siraj, it was a fitting reward, having been the only pacer to feature in all five Tests of the series in the absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. His lion-hearted efforts earned him the Player of the Match award in this decisive Test, capping off a series where he emerged as India’s strike bowler.

With this six-run thriller, India recorded their narrowest Test victory margin, a testament to their fighting spirit and ability to deliver under pressure. The victory also ensured that the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, named after legends James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar, was shared with a fitting 2-2 result.

Brief Scores:
India 224 & 396 in 88 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 118, Akash Deep 66; Josh Tongue 5-125, Gus Atkinson 3-127)
England 247 & 367 all out in 85.1 overs (Harry Brook 111, Joe Root 105; Mohammed Siraj 5-104, Prasidh Krishna 4-126)
India won by 6 runs.