London, August 4 — In one of the most gripping climaxes in recent Test history, India defeated England by 6 runs in the final Test at The Oval, levelling the five-match series 2-2. The thrilling encounter ended with Mohammed Siraj bowling Gus Atkinson to seal victory, leaving Chris Woakes, injured but heroic, stranded at the other end — not out.
The match began its final day with England precariously placed at farther than halfway home but with only four wickets in hand. They needed just over 150 runs for victory, while India required four wickets to win the game and square the series. What followed was a high-stakes tug of war that kept the cricketing world on edge.
India’s bowlers were extraordinary on Day Five, showing relentless intensity and tactical precision. Prasidh Krishna and Siraj led the charge, removing the well-set middle order with reverse swing and disciplined lines. The English lower order, however, refused to fold. With nerves of steel, Chris Woakes walked out to bat despite a hand injury, adding a dramatic twist to an already electric finale. His courageous innings, played one-handed at times, brought England within touching distance of a historic win.
The tension peaked when the last pair — Woakes and Gus Atkinson — brought England to within seven runs of the target. Every run was greeted with gasps, and every ball felt like a match point. But it was Siraj who rose to the moment, bowling a sharp delivery that breached Atkinson’s defense and crashed into the stumps, ending England’s chase at 367 all out.
The crowd at The Oval stood in stunned silence and thunderous applause — a perfect symbol of the emotional rollercoaster the Test had delivered. Woakes remained not out, unbeaten and applauded by both teams for his brave effort. The result means that the series ends drawn 2-2, a fitting reflection of two evenly matched sides who pushed each other to the limit over five enthralling Tests.
This victory also marks a moment of redemption for the Indian side, who had been behind in the series but fought back with resolve, depth in bowling, and calm under pressure.
