Siraj's five-wicket haul seals historic win for India in nail-biting finish
India sealed a thrilling six-run win over England in the fifth Test on Monday, levelling the high-octane series 2-2 after weeks of intense, fluctuating battles between the two cricketing giants
In the end, it was Mohammed Siraj who stepped up with a five-wicket haul, sealing a historic win for India — their narrowest ever in terms of runs.
After 25 days of intense, high-quality cricket, India and England saved the best for last. At The Oval, on a grassy surface that was both a battleground and a stage, the final Test of the series produced a classic — a thriller that will be remembered as one of the finest advertisements for the enduring magic of Test cricket.
The match had everything: momentum swings, individual brilliance, nerves of steel, and a dramatic finish that came down to the final wicket. In the end, it was Mohammed Siraj who stepped up with a five-wicket haul, sealing a historic win for India — their narrowest ever in terms of runs.
Yeh #NayaIndia hain, ye haar kar, phir jeetna jaanta hai Mohammed Siraj lands the winning blow to script a historic victory at The Oval #SonySportsNetwork #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings | @mdsirajofficial pic.twitter.com/rmoemQV7e0
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 4, 2025
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A first innings of edges and grit
The contest began with the pitch offering plenty of encouragement to the seamers. India’s first innings was a tale of survival, resistance, and selective counterattack. Karun Nair stood tall with a gritty half-century, supported by Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar, helping the visitors cross the 200-run mark. Gus Atkinson, on his return, was virtually unplayable — his sharp spells accounting for five Indian wickets as the hosts bowled out India for 224.
England, in reply, came out firing. Their top order put up 92 runs in just 13 overs, evoking memories of the Bazball blitz. But the script flipped in the second session. Siraj produced a fiery spell to dismantle England’s middle order, dragging India back into the game. Despite the early assault, England managed a slender 23-run lead as they were bundled out for 247.
Jaiswal anchors, Sundar accelerates
With the pitch flattening out, India’s second innings saw a more measured approach. Yashasvi Jaiswal once again showed maturity beyond his years, notching up his second century of the tour. Washington Sundar chipped in with a brisk fifty as India set England a target of 374 — a total that seemed imposing on paper, but in this series, nothing was too steep.
What followed was a furious chase that tested not just skills but mental resilience on both sides.
Brook’s blitz and India’s breakthrough
England’s approach to the fourth innings was nothing short of audacious. Duckett set the tone early, blazing through the new ball bowlers. Joe Root played the sheet anchor, and at the other end, Harry Brook tore into the Indian attack. With astonishing confidence, Brook raced to 111 off just 98 balls, tilting the scales decisively towards England.
But cricket, especially its longest format, has a funny way of flipping narratives.
The turning point came when Siraj, fielding at the boundary, took a catch to dismiss Brook — only to risk stepping on the ropes. He held his breath, as did millions watching. The replays confirmed his foot was just touched the boundary cushions. “To be honest, I didn’t think I would take that catch and not step on the rope,” Siraj said later. “It was a match-changing moment.”
The morning of the finale: Drama and destiny
Day five resumed with England six wickets down and just 35 runs away from series clinching victory. Atkinson smashed a delivery towards the boundary, and for a moment, it looked like the game had slipped from India’s grasp — especially when Akash Deep spilled the catch, tipping it over for six.
The required runs were now down to single digits.
But Siraj was not done. With nerves of steel and perfect execution, he sent down a searing yorker that shattered Atkinson’s off stump. The Indian team erupted. The crowd at The Oval witnessed a rare sight — a Test match ending in a six-run finish.
The celebrations were wild, but there was mutual respect on display. Handshakes, pats on the back, and a sense of having been part of something special enveloped both sides.
Rahul reflects: ‘This is where the change begins’
KL Rahul, standing in a leadership role in the absence of senior players, was visibly emotional. “It means absolutely everything,” he said. “This might be a drawn series on paper, but for us, it’s a turning point for Indian Test cricket.”
He praised Shubman Gill, who captained India with tactical acumen. “Shubman has been phenomenal. The changes he made always seemed to bring us wickets. He’s here to stay as a leader.”
The result, a 2-2 series draw, may not alter the championship table drastically, but its implications are far-reaching. In a series where India were not favourites, especially with a relatively inexperienced squad and several frontline players missing, the fightback was inspiring.
Test cricket lives, breathes, and triumphs
The match was not just a contest of bat and ball but of belief, patience, and strategy. For a format that is frequently questioned for its relevance in a fast-paced world, this was a resounding answer. Every ball, every wicket, every celebration reminded fans why Test cricket remains the purest and most dramatic form of the game.
As Rahul aptly summed it up, “So many doubts, so many questions about whether Test cricket will stay or not. I think both teams have answered that.”
Fall of wickets on Day 5
ABSOLUTE SCENES!!! ???? Do not scratch your eyes. India grab another wicket! ????????????#SonySportsNetwork #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings pic.twitter.com/Ac1mtNCwgz
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 4, 2025
PURE CINEMA ???? Prasidh Krishna thought he had him. DRS says no ❌ #SonySportsNetwork #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings pic.twitter.com/aLeDf0cjyi
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 4, 2025
INCREDIBLE! ???? India are ONE WICKET away from a FAMOUS victory ????#SonySportsNetwork #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings pic.twitter.com/x6XdXJew39
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 4, 2025
India vs England 5th Test video highlights Day 5
Day 4
Day 3
Day 2
Day 1
India vs England 5th Test full scorecard
| India 2nd Inning | ||||||
| 396-10 (88 ov) CRR:4.50 | ||||||
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR | |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | c J Overton b JC Tongue | 118 | 164 | 14 | 2 | 71.95 |
| KL Rahul | c J Root b JC Tongue | 7 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 25 |
| Sai Sudharsan | lbw b G Atkinson | 11 | 29 | 1 | 0 | 37.93 |
| Akash Deep | c G Atkinson b J Overton | 66 | 94 | 12 | 0 | 70.21 |
| Shubman Gill (C) | lbw b G Atkinson | 11 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 122.22 |
| Karun Nair | c JL Smith b G Atkinson | 17 | 32 | 3 | 0 | 53.13 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | c H Brook b JC Tongue | 53 | 77 | 5 | 0 | 68.83 |
| Dhruv Jurel (WK) | lbw b J Overton | 34 | 46 | 4 | 0 | 73.91 |
| Washington Sundar | c Z Crawley b JC Tongue | 53 | 46 | 4 | 4 | 115.22 |
| Mohammed Siraj | lbw b JC Tongue | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prasidh Krishna | Not out | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Extras | 26 (b 13, Ib 5, w 6, nb 2, p 0) | |||||
| Total | 396 (10 wkts, 88 Ov) | |||||
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | WD | ECO |
| Gus Atkinson | 27 | 3 | 127 | 3 | 0 | 4.7 |
| Josh Tongue | 30 | 4 | 125 | 5 | 3 | 4.17 |
| Jamie Overton | 22 | 2 | 98 | 2 | 2 | 4.45 |
| Jacob Bethell | 4 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 3.25 |
| Joe Root | 5 | 1 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| England 1st Inning | ||||||
| 247-10 (51.2 ov) CRR:4.81 | ||||||
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR | |
| Zak Crawley | c R Jadeja b MP Krishna | 64 | 57 | 14 | 0 | 112.28 |
| Ben Duckett | c D Jurel b A Deep | 43 | 38 | 5 | 2 | 113.16 |
| Ollie Pope (C) | lbw b M Siraj | 22 | 44 | 4 | 0 | 50 |
| Joe Root | lbw b M Siraj | 29 | 45 | 6 | 0 | 64.44 |
| Harry Brook | b M Siraj | 53 | 64 | 5 | 1 | 82.81 |
| Jacob Bethell | lbw b M Siraj | 6 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 42.86 |
| Jamie Smith (WK) | c KL Rahul b MP Krishna | 8 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 36.36 |
| Jamie Overton | lbw b MP Krishna | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gus Atkinson | c A Deep b MP Krishna | 11 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 68.75 |
| Josh Tongue | Not out | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Chris Woakes | Absent hurt | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Extras | 11 (b 6, Ib 2, w 0, nb 3, p 0) | |||||
| Total | 247 (10 wkts, 51.2 Ov) | |||||
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | NB | ECO |
| Mohammed Siraj | 16.2 | 1 | 86 | 4 | 0 | 5.27 |
| Akash Deep | 17 | 0 | 80 | 1 | 1 | 4.71 |
| Prasidh Krishna | 16 | 1 | 62 | 4 | 2 | 3.88 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 2 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 5.5 |
| India 1st Inning | ||||||
| 224-10 (69.4 ov) CRR:3.22 | ||||||
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR | |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | lbw b G Atkinson | 2 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 22.22 |
| KL Rahul | b C Woakes | 14 | 40 | 1 | 0 | 35 |
| Sai Sudharsan | c JL Smith b JC Tongue | 38 | 108 | 6 | 0 | 35.19 |
| Shubman Gill (C) | runout (G Atkinson) | 21 | 35 | 4 | 0 | 60 |
| Karun Nair | lbw b JC Tongue | 57 | 109 | 8 | 0 | 52.29 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | c JL Smith b JC Tongue | 9 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 69.23 |
| Dhruv Jurel (WK) | c H Brook b G Atkinson | 19 | 40 | 2 | 0 | 47.5 |
| Washington Sundar | c J Overton b G Atkinson | 26 | 55 | 3 | 0 | 47.27 |
| Akash Deep | Not out | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mohammed Siraj | b G Atkinson | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prasidh Krishna | c JL Smith b G Atkinson | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Extras | 38 (b 12, Ib 6, w 16, nb 4, p 0) | |||||
| Total | 224 (10 wkts, 69.4 Ov) | |||||
| Bowler | O | R | W | NB | WD | ECO |
| Chris Woakes | 14 | 46 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3.29 |
| Gus Atkinson | 21.4 | 33 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1.52 |
| Josh Tongue | 16 | 57 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 3.56 |
| Jamie Overton | 16 | 66 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4.13 |
| Jacob Bethell | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
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First Published: Aug 04 2025 | 4:28 PM IST