Last Updated on 3 months by Charbel Coorey
Test cricket at its best. What a format, and what a spectacle England and India put on at The Oval.
In a match that swung one way and the other in the true nature of the series, it was India who prevailed by six runs in one of the all-time classics. Mohammed Siraj, who watched in agony as the ball trickled back to knock the bails off at Lord’s a few weeks ago, was the deserved matchwinner as he took the final wicket to seal India’s narrowest ever Test victory in terms of runs.
This victory was driven by belief and sheer will. Shubman Gill’s team were all but gone yesterday as Harry Brook and Joe Root combined for a 195-run stand to take England to 301/3 in pursuit of 374. It seemed only one result was possible, but Brook’s poor execution, plus Jacob Bethell’s moment he’d want to have back, opened the door for India.
Along with Siraj, Prasidh Krishna was outstanding. The fast bowler struggled for control and consistency throughout, but once the door was left ajar, he helped slam it open. After dismissing Bethell, Prasidh soon picked up the huge wicket of Joe Root to leave England 337/6 with the game, all of a sudden, back at an even keel.
Rain, light and controversial call to end play early left us hanging for the fifth day. With India having the momentum last night and use of the roller this morning, one felt England were the favourites heading into day five needing 35 with four wickets in hand.
However, in true Siraj style, he kept running in, even clocking 90mph despite his intense workload across five Tests. He dismissed Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton early to swing the game in India’s favour, leaving England with 20 to win with two wickets in hand, including the injured Chris Woakes.
Woakes, in a great show of courage, walked out to bat with his dislocated shoulder in a sling after Prasidh struck again to remove Josh Tongue. Thereafter, despite a flew blows from Gus Atkinson who threatened to break Indian hearts, it was Siraj who had the final say in one of the most deserved five-wicket hauls you are sure to see.
Reactions to India winning one of the greatest ever Test matches by 6 runs
India fans were delirious. Rival fans also shared messages of congratulations. Also, the love for Test cricket was clear to see on social media.
Here are some of the reactions to India’s victory which levelled the series 2-2.
England fans left to wonder how that one slipped
For England, this is one that got away. They dropped numerous chances in India’s second innings, but still had the game in the palm of their hands on the fourth afternoon. After Brook and Root cruised to 301/3, the consensus was that Mohammed Siraj’s missed chance when Brook was on 19 would prove to be a defining moment.
Instead, England lost 7/66, including a number of wickets to questionable shots. Brook played superbly for his hundred, but lost his shape to give India hope. Bethell’s shot has been widely criticised when you consider another partnership with Root was vital to keep India at bay. Then, Jamie Smith struggled in a nervy showing.
The 2-2 draw now extends England’s winless run in series against Australia and India dating back to 2018. They have drawn each of their four home series 2-2 against these two nations, while losing away on each occasion in the same time period.
England’s next assignment is the massive Ashes series which kicks off in Perth in November. India will take on the West Indies in two Tests at home in October.
