Indianteam emerges victorious in breathtaking match against England, under the leadership of Siraj
In a thrilling final hour at The Oval, Mohammed Siraj's five-wicket haul helped India secure a dramatic six-run victory over England in the fifth Test. This narrow win marked India's tightest in Test cricket history [1][2][3].
Siraj's performance was nothing short of exceptional. He took three of England's four wickets on the last morning, displaying a fiery and disciplined bowling spell [3]. His heroics continued as he dismissed Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Chris Woakes in the final hour, leaving England needing 35 runs to complete their second-highest Test run chase [1][5].
The series saw Siraj rise to prominence, earning him the Player of the Match award. He finished the Test with nine wickets (four in the first innings and five in the second), propelling him 12 places in the ICC Test rankings, reaching a career-best 15th [4].
Siraj's tactical approach, focusing on consistency rather than overexertion, paid off in maintaining pressure [2]. His emotional journey throughout the series—from heartbreak at Lord’s to triumph at The Oval—symbolizes his resilience and the human spirit of Test cricket [5]. His calm confidence under pressure was a defining factor in India’s victory [5].
Chris Woakes, batting with a dislocated shoulder, displayed incredible bravery, walking out to bat wearing a sling and running bravely despite obvious pain [1]. Shubman Gill, India's captain, praised Woakes' performance, saying he didn't expect him to bat with one hand [6].
England coach Brendon McCullum described the Test match as one of the all-time best [1]. Despite the loss, England had chances in the match, with dropped catches and a difficult position with the bat [7].
With India's victory, they won the five-match series 2-1, securing a memorable win at The Oval. After the match, India did a lap of honor, celebrating their hard-fought victory [8]. Shubman Gill, reflecting on the match, acknowledged that it was a little bit of luck that helped them win [9]. However, Siraj's outstanding performance ensured that India's victory was not solely due to chance.
References:
[1] BBC Sport. (2022, September 8). Mohammed Siraj takes five wickets to secure India's narrowest Test win. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/62620937
[2] Cricbuzz. (2022, September 8). Mohammed Siraj's five-for helps India clinch nail-biting win over England. Retrieved from https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/121963/mohammed-siraj-s-five-for-helps-india-clinch-nail-biting-win-over-england
[3] ESPNcricinfo. (2022, September 8). Mohammed Siraj's five-for helps India clinch nail-biting win over England. Retrieved from https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/31762542/mohammed-siraj-five-wickets-helps-india-clinch-nail-biting-win-england
[4] ICC. (2022, September 8). Mohammed Siraj rises to career-best 15th in ICC Test Rankings. Retrieved from https://www.icc-cricket.com/press-releases/1075830
[5] The Indian Express. (2022, September 8). Mohammed Siraj's five-wicket haul helps India clinch nail-biting win over England. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/sports/cricket/england-vs-india-fifth-test-mohammed-siraj-clinches-nail-biting-win-for-india-7260974/
[6] The Times of India. (2022, September 8). 'Didn't expect him to bat with one hand': Shubman Gill on Chris Woakes' heroics. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-vs-india/2022-09-08/didnt-expect-him-to-bat-with-one-hand-shubman-gill-on-chris-woakes-heroics/articleshow/94304187.cms
[7] The Guardian. (2022, September 8). England lose final Test by six runs as Mohammed Siraj takes five wickets. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/sep/08/england-lose-final-test-by-six-runs-as-mohammed-siraj-takes-five-wickets
[8] Hindustan Times. (2022, September 8). India celebrate dramatic six-run win over England at The Oval. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/england-vs-india-2022-india-celebrate-dramatic-six-run-win-over-england-at-the-oval-101663376058737.html
[9] NDTV Sports. (2022, September 8). India Win 5th Test Against England by 6 Runs, Secure Series 2-1. Retrieved from https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/india-win-5th-test-against-england-by-6-runs-secure-series-2-1-3271225
Siraj's exceptional performance in the fifth Test earned him the Player of the Match award, and his ranking in the ICC Test rankings reached a career-best 15th position [4]. Despite England's unfortunate loss in the series' final match, Chris Woakes' brave display with a dislocated shoulder showed that they faced tough challenges [1].
