The inaugural series of Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy will be remembered as one of the most dramatic Test series ever played between India and England. Going into the fifth and final Test at The Oval in London, England held a 2–1 lead with one match drawn. For India, it was a simple equation: win to level the series. For England, a series victory at home was just one good game away.
What followed was a classic Test match that had everything – grit, drama, and unforgettable moments. India’s first innings was anchored by Karun Nair’s fighting 57, while the second innings saw a brilliant 118 from Yashasvi Jaiswal, a surprise 66 from nightwatchman Akashdeep, and crucial half-centuries from Ravindra Jadeja (53) and Washington Sundar (53).
England’s reply was just as determined, Zak Crawley (64) and Harry Brook (53) kept them in the game in the first innings, and in the second, Brook and Joe Root’s centuries pushed the hosts to the brink of victory. On the final day, England needed only 35 runs with four wickets in hand, and almost everyone believed the series was theirs.
But Mohammed Siraj had other ideas. With a lion-hearted five-wicket haul, he tore through England’s lower order in a spell that will be remembered for years. Even a brave effort from Chris Woakes, batting left-handed with a dislocated shoulder, wasn’t enough to stop India. In a finish worthy of a cricketing epic, India won by six runs, leveling the series 2–2 and turning The Oval into a theatre of stunned silence and roaring Indian celebrations.
As the dust settled at The Oval, social media exploded with reactions. Here are the highlights.
Sunil Gavaskar:
“Siraj bowled his heart out, and he debunked forever this business of workload. When you play for your country, forget the aches and pains.”
Ravichandran Ashwin:
Called the series the “GOAT series,” even greater than the 2005 Ashes.
Nasser Hussain:
“It would have been a travesty had England won 3-1. India deserve 2-2 for the amount of good cricket they have played… and it was very fitting for Siraj to get the final wicket.”
Michael Atherton:
“Fiery, tense, and magnificent. This series gave us everything Test cricket stands for.”
Brendon McCullum (Head Coach, England):
“That is the best five-match Test series I have ever been part of. Full of drama, and hats off to Siraj.”
Ben Stokes (Captain, England):
“Bitterly disappointed, but as a fan of Test cricket, this series was the best advertisement possible.”
Steve Harmison :
“Siraj has been magnificent for India… the kind of bowler who energizes the team when the pressure is at its peak.”
This series will go down in history as a series that brought Test cricket’s glamour back. This 5th Test at The Oval had all the components of a cricketing epic, from Yashasvi Jaiswal’s courageous century to Mohammed Siraj’s heroic five-wicket haul on the last day.
India’s six-run win to level the series 2–2 was a testament to their perseverance, faith, and the timeless beauty of Test cricket. Once again demonstrating that the longest format remains the ultimate form of the game. Legends, fans and international icons came together to celebrate a series that will be remembered for generations to come.
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