In one of the most breathtaking climaxes in modern Test cricket, India edged out England by a mere six runs at The Oval, leveling the five-match series 2-2 and cementing its place as an instant classic. The 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy finale was a nerve-shredding roller-coaster, filled with performances that encapsulated India’s fighting spirit and relentless grit none more so than Mohammed Siraj, whose career-defining spell snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
The Setup: A Series Defined by Drama
India arrived at The Oval trailing 1-2 in the series, having staged a gritty draw in Manchester to keep hopes alive. Missing stalwarts like Virat Kohli, and with captain Shubman Gill carrying both the burden of leadership and batting, the visitors faced a formidable English side with Ben Stokes and Joe Root at their peak. The final Test was supposed to be England’s coronation, but India had different plans.
The Match: A See-Saw Battle to the Last Ball
India, put in to bat after a shaky start (224 in the first innings), clawed back through Yashasvi Jaiswal’s magnificent 118 in the second dig, setting England a besettable but tricky 374 to win. England, aided by centuries from Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105), seemed set for a historic chase at 339/6, needing just 35 runs on Day 5 with four wickets in hand but only three fit batters, as Chris Woakes braved a shoulder injury.
What followed was pure Test match theatre. With the ball 3.4 overs old from being due refreshed, Siraj, who had already bowled over 180 overs in the series and taken 23 wickets, returned for one last decisive burst.
Siraj’s Spell: The Heartbeat of India’s Win
Siraj, running in hard with visible passion and nerves, dismissed Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton in quick succession, shifting the momentum India’s way. England’s tail, now exposed, tried to resist Atkinson even struck Siraj for six as nerves frayed and the target slipped under ten.
But Siraj, summoning every ounce of energy, delivered a perfect yorker to uproot Gus Atkinson’s off stump, collapsing to his knees in tears as teammates mobbed him and Indian fans erupted in the stands. Siraj finished with a five-wicket haul in the final innings, nine in the match, and 23 for the series the joint-most by an Indian bowler in a Test series in England, equaling Jasprit Bumrah’s record. His determination and fire, especially on the final day, defined not only the match but the series itself.
Grit and Fight: India’s Never-Say-Die Spirit
India’s win wasn’t just Siraj’s alone every player contributed to the story of resilience:
- Shubman Gill’s captaincy: Under significant scrutiny, Gill led by example, scoring over 750 runs in the series an all-time record for an Indian captain, and batting heroically under pressure.
- Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja: Their stonewalling at Manchester snatched a draw from England and set up the decider.
- Lower Order Resistance: India’s tail wagged when needed and held out to enable the bowlers a chance to script dramatic finishes.
The team withstood injuries, tricky weather, hostile crowds, and setbacks exemplifying mental and physical stamina. Their ability to withstand the pressure batting out crucial sessions, clawing back into games, and fielding relentlessly was a testament to the new generation’s resolve and unity.
Siraj’s Impact: Beyond the Numbers
Siraj’s raw emotion and aggression were a microcosm of Indian cricket’s rise. Having played every match of the series, his fiery spells, particularly under pressure, turned games on their head. He maintained high speeds even on the final morning (touching 90mph) and was India’s go-to bowler in clutch moments. His five-wicket haul in the climax, resilience despite fatigue, and ability to make the ball talk in seaming English conditions elevated him to match-winner status and cemented his legacy as a modern Indian pace great.
A Finale Worthy of the Ages
As the dust settles, cricket fans will remember this match and the series not just for the close finishes or record runs but for the display of heart. India’s refusal to accept defeat, their fight when written off, and Siraj’s spell of a lifetime have etched this Test and series into the annals of cricketing folklore. The Oval win wasn’t just a match it was a statement: India, even without their old guard, never stops believing, never stops fighting, and never backs down, no matter how great the odds.
