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Siraj’s Sensational Fifer Seals Epic Oval Win as India Level Series 2-2
Mohammed Siraj Leads India to Dramatic Victory at The Oval
India pulled off a thrilling six-run victory over England in the fifth and final day of the fourth Test at The Oval, leveling the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at 2-2. In overcast London conditions and with just 35 runs to defend, it was Mohammed Siraj’s five-wicket haul that turned the tide in India’s favor.
With England needing only a handful of runs and four wickets in hand, the odds were stacked against the visitors. But Siraj, using the swing-friendly conditions masterfully, produced a devastating spell with the old ball, claiming 3 crucial wickets on the final morning and finishing with figures of 5 for 104.
Day 5 Drama: Rain, Tension, and Siraj’s Magic
The match had set up perfectly after hundreds from Joe Root and Harry Brook had given England the upper hand with a 195-run partnership on Day 4. Rain interrupted play late on Day 4, pushing the conclusion to a suspense-filled fifth morning.
Prasidh Krishna resumed with a short-pitched delivery that Jamie Overton dispatched to the boundary. His next shot, a lucky edge, ran away for four more. But from there, India began clawing their way back, starting with Siraj at the other end.
Siraj’s Game-Changing Spell
Jamie Smith, who had resumed on 2, fell early after being beaten multiple times before nicking behind. Gus Atkinson survived a chance that just fell short of KL Rahul at second slip, but Overton’s luck ran out soon after. Siraj pinned him LBW with a delivery that jagged back, and though Overton reviewed, the ‘umpire’s call’ on hitting the stumps confirmed the dismissal.
Prasidh Krishna then bowled a searing yorker to knock over Josh Tongue, who had narrowly escaped a previous LBW call. England were 17 runs away, with their last recognized batter gone and Chris Woakes walking out injured, his right shoulder in a sling and bat in his non-dominant hand.
India Hold Their Nerve in Final Moments
Gus Atkinson tried to protect Woakes by refusing singles early in the overs and looking to attack. One such effort went high toward the boundary but was palmed over the ropes for six by Akash Deep.
Ultimately, it was Siraj’s persistence and pinpoint accuracy that closed the match. He nailed a yorker that breached Atkinson’s defenses, knocking him over for 17 and sparking wild celebrations in the Indian camp.
Scorecard Summary and Match Highlights
Brief Scores
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India 1st Innings: 224 (Karun Nair 57; Atkinson 5-33, Tongue 3-57)
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India 2nd Innings: 396 (Jaiswal 118, Akash Deep 66, Sundar 53, Jadeja 53; Tongue 5-125, Atkinson 3-127)
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England 1st Innings: 247 (Crawley 64, Brook 53; Prasidh 4-62, Siraj 4-86)
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England 2nd Innings: 367 (Brook 111, Root 105; Siraj 5-104, Prasidh 4-126)
Result: India won by 6 runs. Series tied 2-2.
📰 Read also: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century leads India’s fightback in Oval Test
🌐 Visit ICC’s official match page for full scorecard and stats
