In a remarkable end to one of the most thrilling Test series in recent years, India claimed their narrowest Test victory, beating England by just six runs at the Kia Oval. Mohammed Siraj was certainly the player of the day, taking an unforgettable five wickets in an incredible final innings to secure an unforgettable victory that will leave players and fans breathless for days to come.
The final day had begun drearily under heavy clouds in South England. England was chasing a daunting target of 374 runs to complete their chase after the fourth day had been scuttled by torrential rain. They had resumed needing 35 runs with three wickets remaining. All the signs were pointing toward an England victory when Jamie Overton started things with two boundaries from the first two balls. Luckily for us, Siraj had other plans.
Siraj’s journey through the match had been one of redemption. Earlier in the match, during a caught-behind ball, he made the unfortunate mistake of stepping on the boundary rope while fielding, turning what could have been a wicket into a six; a mistake he was hell-bent on making up for. He did so emphatically by orchestrating one of the most exhilarating final hours to ever be seen in Test cricket. His speed, yorkers, and ability to get the old ball to move created a lot of pressure on each English batter.
Targeting Jamie Smith, then Jamie Overton, his deliveries forced important wickets, including a tense caught-behind decision which swung momentum back towards India. With England’s tail exposed, Siraj continued in his attack, cleaning up Josh Tongue for a duck with a yorker so good it put a hat-trick within touching distance. With things tense for India, Chris Woakes accompanied by slinger Gus Atkinson and his injured arm (shoulder), bravely tried to hold the innings together.
Woakes stood firm, while Atkinson, almost on a run-a-ball. Unfortunately, Atkinson fell last ball to Siraj; a perfect yorker which uprooted the off stump and sealed a famous six run victory to India. Siraj’s siu celebration received loud cheers as he was mobbed by teammates celebrating on a memorable flat out and crazy victory.
Not only was this India’s closest Test match victory (by runs), it demonstrated India’s fight and resilience. The players took a victory lap for the adoring fans. The cricketing community witnessed the rise of Mohammed Siraj as a match winning bowler and the coronation of this series as one of the greatest to ever grace a Test series.
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