India’s final Test match at The Oval, concluding the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy series on August 4, 2025, was nothing short of a masterpiece in Test cricket. In a display of astonishing composure and flair, Mohammed Siraj emerged as a true hero, guiding India to an incredibly narrow six‑run victory over a determined England side, thereby leveling the series 2‑2 .
Opting to bat first, India was bundled out for 224, with Karun Nair offering a rare half-century under pressure. England replied with 247, taking a slender lead courtesy of contributions from Harry Brook and other. In their second innings, India recovered splendidly, posting 396, anchored by a superb century from Yashasvi Jaiswal (118) and vital knocks from Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar.
Chasing a target of 374, England looked firmly in control at 339/6, needing just 35 runs with four wickets remaining. Even their last man, Chris Woakes, bravely came in with a dislocated shoulder — a testament to the spirit of the game. However, the Indian attack refused to relent. Siraj and Prasidh Krishna engineered a remarkable collapse, with Siraj claiming the final three wickets in quick succession, finishing with match figures of five wickets for 104 runs, including the match‑sealing yorker that bowled Gus Atkinson.
Siraj’s exceptional effort earned him Player of the Match, while the drama and tension of that final hour led many commentators and England’s coach Brendon McCullum to hail the encounter as one of the greatest Test finishes ever witnessed.
This match underscored the enduring beauty of Test cricket—its emotional thrill, the unpredictability to the last ball, and the resilience of both sides in pursuit of excellence.
