London, August 4, 2025 : Mohammed Siraj’s unrelenting fire and precision delivered India a heart-pounding six-run victory over England in the final Test at The Oval, levelling the high-voltage five-match series 2-2. In what will be remembered as one of the most thrilling finishes in recent memory, Siraj led India’s charge on the final day with sheer grit and venom.
England began the day with 35 runs to win and four wickets in hand—favoured to clinch the match. But Siraj had other plans. The fast bowler turned tormentor from ball one, shaking England’s lower order with his unplayable seam movement, ably supported by Prasidh Krishna.
Siraj finished with a match haul of nine wickets, earning him the Player of the Match award. His performance was especially crucial in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for workload management.
“This morning I looked at my phone, saw a ‘Believe’ wallpaper and told myself—I’ll do this for India,” said an emotional Siraj, drained but beaming after delivering 185.3 overs in the series.
The fourth day’s premature closure due to rain had stirred debate, with the likes of Stuart Broad and Michael Vaughan raising eyebrows. But fate reserved the drama for the final morning. Despite looming dark clouds, Indian fans packed the 27,500-capacity Oval, refusing to miss a second of what promised to be a nail-biter.
KL Rahul, who scored two centuries in the series, summed up the moment:
“No one gave us a chance… this 2-2 result is where the turnaround begins. It’s huge for Indian Test cricket.”
When play resumed, England resumed with Jamie Overton on strike. Prasidh Krishna was first to bleed runs—Overton striking two early boundaries. The target quickly came down to 27.
Then, Siraj ignited the Oval.
He beat Jamie Smith twice before finding his edge, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Next, he deceived Overton with a delivery that nipped back in. Though the batter reviewed, the ball was clipping leg stump, and the decision stayed.
Prasidh soon struck again, trapping Josh Tongue plumb in front to leave England at 350 for 9.
In a moment straight out of cricketing folklore, Chris Woakes, nursing a broken left arm, walked in to bat—echoing the bravery of Colin Cowdrey in 1963. Fans rose in applause.
But India’s bowlers stayed locked in. Atkinson, protecting Woakes, swung valiantly—once clearing the rope despite a near catch by Akash Deep.
The equation came down to single digits. And just when it looked like England might escape, Siraj bowled a searing yorker that rattled Atkinson’s off-stump, sealing India’s dramatic win.
