England vs India: Siraj's Brilliance Secures India's 6-Run Victory

India celebrate their incredible win over England

India edges out England by 6 runs in a nail-biting finish, with Mohammed Siraj taking 5-104. Get the latest cricket updates and scores.

“It might seem like a draw but for Indian Test cricket going into the future it will rank right at the top...”

Thrilling Victory for India

India's fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was the hero as his team clinched a stunning six-run win over England in the fifth Test at the Oval, leveling the series 2-2. England, chasing a target of 374, were bowled out for 367, with Siraj taking a crucial five-wicket haul of 5-104.

Siraj's Match-Winning Performance

Siraj's sensational burst of 3-9 on the final morning was instrumental in India's victory. He bowled a perfect yorker to shatter Gus Atkinson's off-stump, sealing the win for India. Siraj's unwavering belief in himself and his abilities played a significant role in turning the game around.

India's NARROWEST win in Test history 🤯#ENGvIND full scorecard: https://t.co/rrZF1qfeQq pic.twitter.com/V2la0a7k4u

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 4, 2025

Post-Match Reaction

The win drew praise from Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who had earlier expressed doubts about India's chances. Tharoor admitted his mistake and lauded the Indian squad's spirit, particularly highlighting Siraj's standout performance. “I am sorry that I expressed a spasm of doubt about the outcome yesterday. But Mohammed Siraj never stopped believing.” Tharoor said. Siraj took nine wickets in the match and was named Player of the Match.

India's thrilling victory over England marked their narrowest winning margin in a Test match, with the hosts triumphing by just six runs. This nail-biting finish showcased the team's resilience and determination, with Mohammed Siraj's five-wicket haul proving instrumental in the win. The series is now level at 2-2, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.

“For us as a team that wasn't given a chance in this series, for us to fight back and fight in every game and get a result which is 2-2 (is great),” India's KL Rahul told Sky Sports.

“It might seem like a draw but for Indian Test cricket going into the future it will rank right at the top.

“From this, we will go on and win many more series outside of India,” the opening batsman added.

England resumed their chase on the final morning at 339-6, still requiring 35 runs to win. However, their momentum was short-lived, as they lost four crucial wickets for just 28 runs. This dramatic collapse set the stage for a thrilling finish.

Mohammed Siraj, the series' top wicket-taker, played a pivotal role in India's victory. He struck twice, removing Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton, to leave England reeling at 354-8, a mere 20 runs shy of the target. Siraj's exceptional pace and precision bowling ultimately proved too much for the English batsmen to handle.

Key Moments:

• England's Collapse: Lost four wickets for 28 runs on the final morning
• Siraj's Heroics: Took two crucial wickets, removing Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton
• Thrilling Finish: England fell short by six runs, with Siraj bowling Gus Atkinson to seal the win for India

50 WICKETS between this trio in the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy 🤯 #AkashDeep #MohammedSiraj #PrasidhKrishna pic.twitter.com/MM7nzGIQZh

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 4, 2025

England's last man, Chris Woakes, battled through pain to bat with a strapped-up left arm due to a shoulder injury. Despite his discomfort, Woakes persevered as England still required 17 runs for victory. In a thrilling moment, Gus Atkinson smashed a six off Mohammed Siraj, bringing the target down to single figures.

The dramatic finish saw England's hopes rise and fall with each delivery. Siraj's eventual triumph in dismissing Atkinson sealed the win for India by a mere six runs. Woakes' gritty effort, despite his injury, added to the drama of the match's final moments.

Mohammed Siraj sealed India's thrilling victory by bowling Gus Atkinson for 17, knocking over the batsman's off stump. This decisive moment sparked jubilant scenes among the Indian team and their supporters in south London, capping off a remarkable series for Siraj and his team.

India's decision to limit Jasprit Bumrah to just three Tests in the series was based on workload management and precautionary measures, given his injury history. However, it was later revealed that Bumrah suffered a knee injury, which ruled him out of the fifth Test against England at The Oval. Despite missing the final match, Bumrah had a strong series, claiming 14 wickets in three matches at an average of 26.00, including two five-wicket hauls.

Mohammed Siraj, who played all five Tests, stepped up in Bumrah's absence and delivered an impressive performance. Siraj ended the series with 23 wickets at an average of 32.43, playing a crucial role in India's victory in the fifth Test. His ability to take key wickets at critical moments proved instrumental in India's win.