In one of the most thrilling finishes in recent Test cricket history, Mohammed Siraj delivered a dream yorker to castle Gus Atkinson, sealing a dramatic six-run victory for India in the fifth Test match against England at The Oval. With the win, India leveled the five-match Test series 2-2, bringing the curtain down on an unforgettable contest filled with resilience, brilliance, and grit from both sides.
Siraj Delivers Under Pressure
Defending a daunting target of 374, India found themselves under immense pressure as England stood at 339/6 at stumps on Day 4, needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand. But the drama was far from over.
On the final morning, Siraj and Prasidh Krishna combined to rip through the lower order. Siraj’s final strike, a pinpoint yorker that shattered Atkinson’s stumps, sent the Indian team into a frenzy and the crowd into raptures. Siraj finished the innings with 5/104, a heroic spell that will be remembered for years.
If Mohd Siraj has 1M fans, I’m one of them.
If he has 10 fans I’m still one.
If he has only 1 fan it’s ME.
If he has none I no longer exist.
If the world is against Siraj, then I’m against the world🔥🇮🇳#INDvsENGTest #INDvsENG #ENGvIND #Siraj #OvalTest pic.twitter.com/hMhkNbJyvj pic.twitter.com/M6MHHUXUPS— Abhi Sharma (@TheASCode) August 4, 2025
Siraj Tops the Wicket Charts
With this match-winning performance, Siraj ended the series as the highest wicket-taker, collecting 23 wickets across five matches—more than any other bowler from either side. His ability to step up in crunch moments and adapt to conditions proved pivotal in India’s comeback during the latter stages of the series.
His fiery spell at The Oval was complemented perfectly by Prasidh Krishna, who bagged 4/126, justifying his selection and showing remarkable composure under pressure.
Oval Test: A Rollercoaster Final Day
Day 4 had already set the stage for a grand finale. England’s batting heroes Joe Root and Harry Brook had brought them tantalizingly close to a famous win with commanding centuries, pushing the score to 339/6 before bad light and rain ended the day’s play early.
Needing just 35 more runs on Day 5, England looked favorites on paper—but India’s bowlers had other plans.
Within the span of 46 balls, the visitors took the final four wickets. The last partnership saw Chris Woakes, playing with a dislocated shoulder and one arm in a sling, come out to bat at No. 11 in a moment of bravery. But the writing was on the wall.
Siraj’s yorker to Atkinson capped off a near-perfect morning session for India, turning what looked like a potential series loss into a heroic series draw.
Series Summary: Twists, Turns, and Triumphs
The 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has proven to be one of the most competitive and emotionally charged series in recent memory. Here’s a quick summary:
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1st Test (Leeds): England win by 5 wickets
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2nd Test (Birmingham): India bounce back with a 336-run win
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3rd Test (Lord’s): England edge India by 22 runs
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4th Test (Manchester): India bat resiliently on Day 5 to draw
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5th Test (The Oval): India win by 6 runs to level series 2-2
From Pant’s defiance with a fractured foot to Woakes batting with one arm, and Root’s 39th century, this series had everything. But it was Siraj’s final spell at The Oval that delivered the poetic end to an unforgettable saga.
What’s Next for Team India?
With the World Test Championship (WTC) points now evenly split, both India and England keep their qualification hopes alive. Siraj’s form, alongside the emergence of Krishna and key contributions from veterans like Root and Sharma, promises more high-stakes cricket in the months to come.
For now, the images of Siraj, arms raised after Atkinson’s stumps lay flat, will remain etched in memory—a celebration of passion, perseverance, and Test cricket at its very best.
