Exactly a year ago, Mohammed Siraj produced one of the defining spells of his Test career as India defeated England by six runs in a dramatic fifth Test at The Oval, levelling the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 2-2. The final morning lasted just 53 deliveries, but it delivered enough drama to be remembered as one of the finest finishes in modern Test cricket.
England resumed the final day needing 35 runs with four wickets in hand, while India required four wickets to complete an unlikely victory. The visitors struck almost immediately as Siraj removed Jamie Smith, swinging the momentum back in India's favour. Although Jamie Overton and Gus Atkinson counter-attacked with a few boundaries to keep England's hopes alive, India's fast bowlers continued to apply relentless pressure.
Siraj was the driving force behind India's fightback. Bowling with pace, discipline and determination, he completed a magnificent five-wicket haul in the second innings before dismissing Gus Atkinson with the decisive delivery that sparked jubilant celebrations among the Indian players. The victory also became India's narrowest-ever Test win by runs, underlining just how closely contested the match had been.
The contest had swung repeatedly over five days. After posting 224 in the first innings, India conceded a 23-run lead as England replied with 247. A brilliant second-innings effort, highlighted by Yashasvi Jaiswal's 118, lifted India to 396 and set England a target of 374. England appeared favourites after centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook, but India's pace attack engineered a stunning collapse to force a thrilling final-day finish.
Siraj finished with 5 for 104 in England's second innings, while Prasidh Krishna claimed four wickets to support the charge. Their combined effort bowled England out for 367, allowing India to draw the five-match series after trailing earlier in the contest.
Match Summary Card
Match: England vs India, 5th Test
Venue: The Oval, London
Result: India won by 6 runs
Series Result: Drawn 2-2 (Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy)
Scores
India: 224 & 396
England: 247 & 367
Key Performers
Mohammed Siraj: 5/104 (second innings)
Prasidh Krishna: 4 wickets (second innings)
Yashasvi Jaiswal: 118
Joe Root: 105
Harry Brook: 111
One year on, the final hour at The Oval continues to stand out as a reminder of Test cricket at its dramatic best—a contest decided by six runs, defined by Siraj's relentless spell and remembered for its extraordinary finish.
