India triumphs over England in the fifth Test, with a narrow margin of six runs, as Siraj takes the lead in the team's victory.
England and India Settle for a 2-2 Draw in Dramatic Oval Test
The fifth and final Test of the England vs India series in 2025 at The Oval ended in a nail-biting 6-run victory for India, resulting in a 2-2 series draw. The decisive moment came on the final day when Mohammed Siraj, India's star bowler, dismissed Chris Woakes, leaving England 17 runs short of victory.
The day began with England needing just 35 runs or four wickets to clinch the series. With a target of 374 runs, England was chasing its second highest successful run chase ever. Chris Woakes, who had been out due to injury for much of the match, made a valiant return to bat at the end and received a standing ovation.
Siraj's lethal bowling, combined with tight fielding and a crucial catch, proved too much for England. Gus Atkinson hit a six off Siraj before England's target was reduced to single figures, but the momentum quickly shifted. Jamie Overton fell next, lbw for nine to Siraj.
England's collapse began with the dismissal of Brook, who had scored 111 the previous day. Joe Root followed soon after, leaving England reeling at 354-8. Siraj, who ended the series as the leading bowler on either side with 23 wickets at 32.43, took 3 wickets for 9 runs in the final day, finishing with innings figures of 5-104.
India, without Jasprit Bumrah in the Oval decider, still had Shubman Gill to rely on. Gill, who scored 754 runs, including 4 hundreds, during the series, played a crucial role in India's victory. Siraj struck with his third ball on Monday, catching Smith behind to leave England 347-7. The final wicket fell to Siraj, who appropriately wrapped up the match.
England will be bitterly disappointed not to have gotten over the line, especially after the heroic performances of Harry Brook and Joe Root on Sunday. Nonetheless, the series was a thrilling spectacle of cricket, with Siraj's outstanding bowling performance shaping the dramatic finish and overall series outcome.
"From day one to here, everyone fought so hard so we are very happy," Siraj said after the match. "I just wanted to make sure I hit the right areas, the wickets would fall, and anything else would be a bonus." Stokes, England's captain, had nothing but praise for Siraj, acknowledging his competitiveness and resilience. "I've always had great respect and admiration for Mohammed Siraj as a competitor," Stokes said.
In the thrilling finale of the 2025 England vs India series at The Oval, despite England needing just 35 runs or four wickets to clinch the series, a brilliant bowling performance from Mohammed Siraj led to a nail-biting 6-run victory for India, resulting in a 2-2 series draw. England's valiant batting efforts, led by Chris Woakes' return, were not enough to reach the second highest successful run chase in their history.
