Tags: India tour of England 2025,
India,
England
Published on: Aug 04, 2025
In one of the most gripping finishes in recent Test history, Shubman Gill-led India edged past England by just six runs in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, levelling the series 2-2 and sharing the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. This nail-biting victory also marks India’s narrowest Test win by runs.
Siraj’s Redemption Arc
Mohammed Siraj emerged as India’s match-winner with a sensational five-wicket haul, including three crucial scalps on the final day. His performance was especially noteworthy as he bounced back from a costly fielding error on Day 4 that allowed Harry Brook to go on and score a crucial century. Siraj’s fiery spell on the final morning silenced critics and turned the game decisively in India’s favor.
England’s Brave Chase Falls Short
Chasing a daunting target of 374, England fought valiantly, led by Brook’s century and contributions from Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow. However, India’s relentless bowling, backed by smart captaincy from Gill, ensured the hosts were bowled out for 367, just seven runs shy of victory.
In a remarkable display of grit, Chris Woakes came out to bat with a dislocated shoulder, adding to the drama of the tense final session. But the Indian bowlers held their nerve, with Siraj and Prasidh Krishna (who took 4 wickets) sealing the win.
Captain Gill’s Leadership Tested and Proven
This match marked a major milestone for Shubman Gill, who stepped in as captain for the decider. Under pressure and facing a hostile English crowd, Gill showed poise in field placements, bowling rotations, and motivation, earning praise from former players and pundits alike.
A Series to Remember
The 2-2 result means that the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy—named after England’s James Anderson and India’s Sachin Tendulkar—ends in a draw in its debut series. The fiercely contested five-match series saw dramatic twists in every game, reinforcing the enduring appeal of Test cricket.
Key Highlights:
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India won by 6 runs – their narrowest ever win in Test history -
Mohammed Siraj: 5 wickets, including 3 on the final day -
Prasidh Krishna: 4 wickets, pivotal in England’s middle-order collapse -
Harry Brook: Century after lifeline from Siraj on Day 4 -
Chris Woakes batted through pain with a dislocated shoulder -
Shubman Gill praised for calm and tactical leadership
This Oval Test will go down as one of the greatest in modern Test history—a thrilling finale to a series that truly honored the legends it was named after.
