NEW DELHI: Mohammed Siraj produced a fiery five-wicket haul as India pulled off a surprising four-wicket burst on a tense last morning at The Oval, sealing a dramatic six-run victory over England and levelling the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2.England began Day 5 as favourites, needing simply 35 runs with 4 wickets in hand. However India’s seamers, relentless and charged with intent, tore by the decrease order to script one in all their most thrilling abroad triumphs.
Siraj set the tone with two early strikes. Jamie Smith edged behind whereas poking exterior off, with UltraEdge confirming a transparent spike as Dhruv Jurel accomplished a diving catch. Quickly after, Jamie Overton was pinned in entrance by a pointy nip-backer. England reviewed, however ball-tracking backed umpire Kumar Dharmasena’s determination.Then got here the killer blow. Prasidh Krishna despatched down a thunderous 141 kph yorker that uprooted Josh Tongue’s center stump, sparking wild Indian celebrations. England, as soon as cruising at 347/6, all of a sudden discovered themselves at 354/9. With just one wicket in hand and 20 runs nonetheless required, a visibly injured Chris Woakes walked out, shoulder dislocated however willpower intact.The tip got here swiftly. Siraj delivered the knockout punch, drawing an edge from Gus Atkinson — who had fought exhausting for 17 — with Jurel safely pouching it behind the stumps. India had pulled off a sensational six-run win.“Win means completely every thing. I’ve performed cricket for years. Received Champions Trophy, seen the crew carry the world cup. Nothing compares to that. However so many questions on whether or not Take a look at cricket stays or not, however each answered that query right here with the best way we have performed. We weren’t given an opportunity however we have fought in each sport and get 2-2, may be a draw, however for Indian Take a look at cricket, this may rank proper on the high and that is the place change begins,” KL Rahul mentioned after the match.“Indian Take a look at crew will win lots many issues and extra collection. Not having Rohit, Virat, Ashwin hit me two weeks in. Everybody was coming to me to ask about English situations. Then it hit me I’ve stepped into a distinct function now. Gill’s been phenomenal, led from the entrance. He is fashioned connections, he is performed that. Tactically good, adjustments have gotten us wickets. He’ll go on to turn into an excellent Take a look at captain,” he mentioned.Led by stand-in skipper Shubman Gill, this win marked a defining comeback for a younger Indian facet. With key gamers like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli lacking, the crew’s rising stars, powered by a fiery tempo assault and key contributions throughout the board, rose to the event and delivered when it mattered most.