August 5, 2025

In a gripping finale at the Oval, India managed to level the series against England with a stunning 6-run victory in the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Batting great Sunil Gavaskar was notably impressed, proclaiming the win to be even greater than India's historic triumph at the Gabba in 2021. This victory was marked by an electrifying performance from Mohammed Siraj, who claimed five wickets, making it incredibly challenging for the English batsman as they chased a formidable target of 374 runs. As Day 5 began, England needed just 35 runs with four wickets remaining, giving them a solid chance to seal the game. However, the first blow was delivered by Siraj, who sent Jamie Smith back to the pavilion in the second over with an outstanding outswinger, raising doubts over England's ability to finish the chase. The pressure intensified as Siraj continued to exploit the old ball, making it swing phenomenally, leaving England’s tailenders vulnerable. Adding to England's woes, Prasidh Krishna made a significant impact too, dismissing Josh Tongue with a toe-crushing yorker that provided vital support to Siraj’s assault, bringing England to the brink of collapse. As the drama unfolded, courageous Chris Woakes, suffering from a dislocated shoulder, came out to bat bravely with just one hand. This moment tugged at the heartstrings of the sold-out crowd at the Oval, who applauded him for his sheer determination. Woakes' partner, Gus Atkinson, attempted to shield him from getting struck and preserve their innings but fell victim to Siraj’s relentless attack, bowled out while trying to initiate a big shot which ultimately led to England's total crumbling at 367. Gavaskar, elated after witnessing this captivating victory, boldly stated, "This win is bigger than Gabba," drawing comparisons between these two monumental matches in India's cricket history. The significance of the Gabba win was already immense as it marked India's first Test victory at that ground, achieved with a squad devoid of several senior players like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin. That match was notably propelled by the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane and the exceptional batting of Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill, who engineered an extraordinary chase of 328 runs. This time around, the absence of stalwarts was felt again with the recent retirements of Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin, coupled with Bumrah's exclusion due to workload management. Under intense pressure, both Siraj and Krishna rose to the occasion, leading their team to a memorable victory that is destined to echo in the annals of cricket history. In various reactions post-match, emotions ran high as KL Rahul expressed how the series draw took every ounce out of the team. Meanwhile, former cricketer Gautam Gambhir was seen overwhelmed in the dressing room, reminiscing the pride he felt while watching Shubman Gill perform on the pitch. The match culminated in unison with fans celebrating not just a draw in the series but a moment in cricket that will be cherished for years to come. This intense showdown at the Oval pays homage to India’s cricket legacy, demonstrating resilience, character, and an emerging generation of players ready to take the charge. With the match fresh in the minds of supporters, fans eagerly look forward to the riveting moments that lie ahead in Indian cricket.

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Tags: Sunil gavaskar, Shubman gill, Mohammed siraj, India cricket, England cricket,