Under gloomy skies at a floodlit Oval, cricket witnessed one of its most heart-stopping finales. After seven weeks of drama, the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy ended in a fitting 2-2 deadlock, with India winning the fifth Test by just six runs — their narrowest Test victory ever. It was a result that wasn’t just about the scoreboard; it was about courage, resilience, and a shared passion for Test cricket that transcended mere numbers.

This was Shubman Gill’s first series as India’s Test captain — without stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, or R. Ashwin — and yet, his young team matched England punch for punch. They won more sessions than they lost, stumbled at times, but never stopped fighting. For England, it was a series of returns and renewals: Ben Stokes back as an all-rounder, Jofra Archer bowling with venom after years away, and Joe Root inching closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s towering run tally. There were sledges, drama, and acts of pure bravery — Rishabh Pant and Chris Woakes batting through heavy injuries — all moments destined to be replayed in cricketing folklore.

𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳. 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗝𝘂𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!

Raw Emotions straight after #TeamIndia's special win at the Kennington Oval 🔝#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/vhrfv8ditL— BCCI (@BCCI) August 4, 2025

The Final Morning: 35 Runs That Felt Like a Mile

England began Day Five at 301-3, chasing a daunting 374. With just 35 runs needed and four wickets in hand, victory felt within reach. But cricket has a way of defying scripts.

Harry Brook, who had played a sublime century the previous day, fell to a rush of blood, triggering a collapse. India, sensing a crack in the door, smashed it wide open. Jacob Bethell and Joe Root (105) followed in quick succession, and the game swung violently back towards Gill’s men.

The Oval was packed to the rafters. Under grey skies, in a drizzle that encouraged swing, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna turned the chase into an ordeal. In a blistering spell, Siraj took three wickets for nine runs, eventually finishing with a career-defining 5/104 in 30.1 overs. Krishna complemented him with 4/126, his accuracy suffocating the English lower order.

When Josh Tongue fell to Krishna for a duck, Woakes — left shoulder dislocated — emerged from the pavilion, bat in one hand, arm tucked under his jumper, the crowd roaring in respect. Atkinson, standing tall, smashed Siraj for six, sparking brief hope. He even shielded Woakes from the strike. But Siraj had the final say — a scorching yorker that sent Atkinson’s off stump cartwheeling at 11:56 am. The stadium erupted, then fell silent in stunned awe, before Indian fans found their voice for the victory lap.

Siraj’s Redemption Arc

For Siraj, it was more than just a match-winning performance — it was personal redemption. The previous day, he had stepped over the boundary cushion and dropped Brook on 19, a moment that could have haunted him forever. But instead of sulking, he steeled himself.

“When I woke up today, I thought I could do it,” Siraj revealed. “I downloaded a picture from Google saying ‘believe.’ Lord’s was heartbreaking, but Jaddu bhai told me to back my defence, remember my dad, and do it for him.”

His yorker to Atkinson sealed not just the match, but his place in the series’ lore.

The Captains Speak

Ben Stokes, visibly disappointed yet proud, summed up England’s emotions:

“Another hard-fought game. Bitterly disappointed we couldn’t get over the line, but very proud of the team. Woakes had no question about batting, even with a broken shoulder. That’s what it takes to play for your country. This series has been awesome — no one will be going to bed crying about what was said out there. Just give it everything — that’s all Brendon and I ask.”

Shubman Gill, glowing with the pride of a young leader who had passed his trial by fire, said:

“When you have bowlers like Siraj and Prasidh, captaincy looks easy. Even yesterday, we knew they were under pressure. Siraj is a captain’s dream — he gave it his all every ball. 2-2 is a fair reflection. My aim was to be the best batter this series, and getting there is very satisfying.”

Brook, Root, and the Fight Till the End

England’s Harry Brook, named his side’s Player of the Series, admitted:

“I thought we’d take it home in the morning, but Siraj deserved his success today. It zipped around under cloud cover, and he’s had a phenomenal series. Not winning it is devastating, but this series has been a great advert for Test cricket.”

Root’s century and Brook’s aggression on Day Four had set up the drama, but impatience on the final morning — combined with India’s relentless pressure — proved decisive.

A Series for the Ages

This was more than just cricket; it was a narrative of human spirit. Players batted and bowled through injury. Tempers flared, words were exchanged, but respect endured. Every twist of momentum over 25 days of cricket was amplified by the fact that the series remained alive until the very last ball.

Gill and Stokes received the Pataudi Medal, posing beside the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy before Gill, stump in hand and champagne bottle tucked under his arm, joined his jubilant teammates for photographs.

For a young Indian side, this was vindication. For England, it was heartbreak, tempered by the knowledge that they had been part of one of the greatest Test series in recent memory.

As the drizzle continued and fans lingered long after the presentations, the final image was fitting — two teams, exhausted yet proud, united in having given the game everything.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Vygr Media.