India clinched victory in the fifth Test at the Oval, defeating England by six runs to level the five-match series 2-2. The Indian team delivered a determined performance to stop England from claiming the series. Mohammed Siraj emerged as India’s standout bowler, taking 5-104 and leading the visitors to their narrowest-ever winning margin in Test cricket.
Nail-Biting Finale Unfolds at The Oval
England needed 374 runs for victory and began the final day at 339-6. The home side lost four wickets for 28 runs in a tense concluding session. Siraj produced a critical spell, taking three wickets for nine runs. He dismissed Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton in quick succession, reducing England to 354-8. The momentum swung as England required just 20 runs with two wickets in hand.
Mohammed Siraj of India celebrates Jamie Smith’s wicket
Chris Woakes Steps Up Despite Injury
Chris Woakes entered the fray as England’s last man with his left arm strapped in a sling, due to a shoulder injury. England still required 17 runs at this point. Gus Atkinson, showing determination, struck a six off Siraj, helping England close the gap to single digits. Supporters for both sides watched anxiously as the concluding moments unfolded.
Chris Woakes of England walks out to bat despite a shoulder injury
Siraj Seals the Series in Dramatic Fashion
Siraj delivered the final blow by bowling Atkinson for 17, shattering his off stump and igniting celebrations among the Indian contingent at the ground. Woakes, though visibly struggling, did not face a ball during his stand. Siraj, who played every Test of the series, finished with 23 wickets at an average of 32.43. His efforts capped off a season in which he became the leading bowler on either team.
England’s Gus Atkinson bowled out by India’s Mohammed Siraj
Cricketing Community Reacts to Thrilling Outcome
The competitive nature of the contest sparked strong reactions from cricket figures and commentators. Ric Finlay declared, “Immense courage by Chris Woakes.” Stuart Broad posted, “Don’t know how I feel about any of this right now. How is Chris Woakes feeling?! Test cricket hey. This series has been superb and what a finish. Woakesy to hit the winning runs left handed? Nothing is out of the question! Siraj heroic. Doing plenty!” Dale Steyn added, “WE LOVE TEST CRICKET. Incredible series! Well done, well done.” Harsh Bhogle stated, “I don’t think anyone could have asked for anything more from a sport. It has been a privilege to have been here and to call the last moments will remain one of the biggest moments of my career.”
We’ve been playing Test cricket for 150 years – that’s one of the best endings to any of them. *Unreal* stuff
— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) August 4, 2025
Historical Perspective on England’s Test Results
Tim Wigmore from The Telegraph noted, “A spectacular series but England have now gone 7 series against Australia or India without winning. They’ve drawn 2-2 at home on 4 occasions, and then been thrashed each series away.” The drawn result continues England’s series drought against their key rivals on home soil.
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India’s Resilience Highlighted by Captain
India’s KL Rahul reflected on the implications for Indian cricket. “For us as a team that wasn’t given a chance in this series, for us to fight back and fight in every game and get a result which is 2-2 (is great). It might seem like a draw but for Indian Test cricket going into the future it will rank right at the top. From this, we will go on and win many more series outside of India.”
Series Notable for Absences and Comebacks
India went without Jasprit Bumrah at the Oval, adhering to the decision to play the world’s top-ranked Test bowler in three of the five matches. Bumrah’s absence created an opportunity for Siraj, who starred with decisive bowling performances.
Siraj’s Series Statistics and India’s Future
Siraj bowled 30.1 overs to complete his five-wicket haul. His dependable presence yielded 23 wickets over the series. Team India look to this drawn result as a stepping stone for further successes outside their home country. The Oval contest stands as a demonstration of competitive Test cricket and displays the relentless pursuit from both teams to achieve victory.
