In a dramatic conclusion to the fifth Test at The Oval, India secured a six-run victory over England, levelling the series 2-2. The final morning saw England needing 35 runs with four wickets in hand, but a sensational spell from Mohammed Siraj turned the game on its head. Siraj, who finished with a five-wicket haul, bowled Gus Atkinson to seal the win, sparking celebrations among the Indian players and fans.
Chris Woakes, playing with a dislocated shoulder, came to the crease as a last resort but did not face a ball. He was protected by Atkinson, who managed to keep the strike, but ultimately fell to Siraj. The match was a fitting end to a gruelling series, with both teams pushing each other to the limit.
Earlier, England's lower order collapsed under pressure, with Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue falling cheaply. Siraj's heroics were complemented by Prasidh Krishna, who also picked up a wicket. India's captain Shubman Gill, who scored a series-winning 754 runs, praised his team's never-give-up attitude.
The series saw record-breaking totals, with 7,187 runs scored across the five Tests. Siraj's 23 wickets equalled Jasprit Bumrah's record for an Indian in England. Despite the loss, England's Harry Brook was named player of the series, while Siraj took the man-of-the-match award for his final-day exploits.
