When Shubman Gill, captain of India lifted the trophy on a rain‑damp evening at The Oval, the whole stadium seemed to hold its breath. The Indian side snatched a six‑run win over England on , leaving the five‑match series tied 2‑2 and securing the newly‑minted Anderson‑Tendulkar TrophyThe Oval. It was a match that turned on a single delivery, a moment that will live on in cricket folklore.
Series Overview and Stakes
England had taken an early advantage by winning the opening Test at Headingley, but India responded with a crushing 336‑run victory at Lord’s. The now‑familiar back‑and‑forth set the stage for a decisive fifth Test. Both sides knew that a win would hand the Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy outright, while a draw meant a shared honour. Ollie Pope, England’s 26‑year‑old captain, won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that would later be debated over countless pub tables.
Day‑by‑Day Breakdown
Day 1: India were bundled out for 224, with England’s pacers exploiting the early morning seam. The innings featured a wobble from Mohammed Siraj, who went for a few loose boundaries before finding his rhythm later on.
Day 2: England posted 247, a modest lead that left the match finely balanced. The highlight was a gritty half‑century from Harry Brook that hinted at a possible chase.
Day 3: Back at the crease, 22‑year‑old Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed a 118‑run knock, steering India to 396.
Day 4: England’s innings began positively, with Joe Root and Brook stitching a 106/3 partnership. But the evening’s swing and seam made life miserable for the visitors, and India claimed three wickets before stumps.
Day 5: A target of 374 sounded doable at 339/6 with 35 required. Then the unthinkable happened – Siraj ripped through the tail, dismissing Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, and finally Gus Atkinson with a searing yorker. India won by six runs.
Key Performances and Turning Points
- Mohammed Siraj finished with 9‑190, including a five‑wicket haul on the final day.
- Prasidh Krishna added 4‑126, notably dismissing Josh Tongue for a golden duck.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century laid the platform for the chase.
- Chris Woakes bravely took the crease with a dislocated shoulder, scoring 17 runs and refusing to retire.
The twist was Siraj’s redemption. Earlier, he had dropped Harry Brook on 19, a slip that almost cost India the match. Instead, he turned his disappointment into the decisive spell that sealed victory.
Reactions from Players and Fans
“I didn’t expect him to come out like that, batting with one hand. Kudos to him,” said Gill after the lap of honour. In the stands, thousands of Indian supporters sang “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” while the English crowd gave a standing ovation to the fighting spirit of their side.
England’s bowlers were left to mull over missed chances. An anonymous England player told cricket.com.au, “We had our chances, we will look back on our dropped catches and the position we were in with the bat.”
On social media, the clip of Siraj’s final yorker trended worldwide, with pundits dubbing the bowler “the hero of The Oval.”
What the Draw Means for the Future
Sharing the Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy means both boards will keep the trophy in their respective museums until the next series, scheduled for India in the 2026‑27 season. For India, the win reaffirms a resurgence under a youthful core, while England will head back to the drawing board, likely revisiting selection policies and bowling strategies.
The series also highlighted the growing importance of mental resilience in Test cricket. Siraj’s swing from a costly drop to match‑winning heroics underscores how pressure can flip the narrative in a matter of minutes.
Key Facts
- Venue: The Oval, London
- Date: 4 August 2025
- Result: India won by 6 runs
- Series score: 2‑2 (draw)
- Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy: shared
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect India's ranking in Test cricket?
India’s win preserves their place in the top three of the ICC Test rankings. The series draw prevents a slip that could have seen them drop a spot, while the dramatic finish also boosts their reputation for handling pressure in overseas conditions.
What were the decisive moments that led to England's collapse?
Three wickets fell in quick succession on the final day: Siraj’s yorker to Smith, a sharp bouncer that clean‑bowled Overton, and the final yorker that dismissed Atkinson. The loss of momentum after 339/6, combined with a tired English batting line‑up, made the difference.
Who emerged as the standout performers for India?
Mohammed Siraj, with 9 wickets, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, whose century anchored the second innings, were the clear heroes. Prasidh Krishna’s support with four wickets and Chris Woakes’ gritty cameo added depth to the team effort.
When is the next India‑England Test series scheduled?
The two boards have agreed to host the next bilateral Test series in India during the 2026‑27 season, with venues expected to include Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore.
What does the shared Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy symbolize?
The trophy, named after England’s James Anderson and India’s Sachin Tendulkar, celebrates the rivalry and mutual respect between the two cricketing powers. Sharing it after a hard‑fought 2‑2 draw reflects the evenly matched nature of the series and the spirit of sportsmanship.
