India Clinches Victory Against England in Thrilling Test Match

LONDON: In a gripping encounter at The Oval, India triumphed over England by a narrow margin of six runs in the fifth and final Test, drawing the five-match series 2-2 on Monday.

Entering the fifth day, England resumed their second innings at 339/6, pursuing a target of 374. Jamie Smith remained at the crease with two runs, and Jamie Overton was yet to score. The English team required 35 runs to secure victory.

However, Indian bowlers displayed dominance as play commenced, transforming the chase of 35 runs into a daunting task for England.

The noteworthy partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook proved insufficient, as the English side was ultimately bowled out for 367.

Brook delivered an impressive performance, scoring 111 runs from 98 balls, which included 14 boundaries and two sixes. Root contributed 105 runs from 152 balls, hitting 12 boundaries. Ben Duckett also added 54 runs, but apart from these contributions, the remaining English batsmen struggled, with five players failing to reach double digits.

Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna spearheaded India’s bowling attack, each capturing four wickets in the second innings to keep their team’s hopes alive.

Earlier, India had set a challenging target for England, posting 396 runs in their second innings.

Yashasvi Jaiswal played a pivotal role, scoring 118 runs, while Akash Deep contributed 66. All-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar supported with 53 runs each. Josh Tongue stood out among the English bowlers, claiming five wickets, while Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton secured three and two wickets, respectively.

In the first innings, India were all out for 224, with Karun Nair leading the scoring with 57 runs. Atkinson took five wickets for England, with Tongue taking three and Chris Woakes one.

England responded with 247 runs in their first innings, with Harry Brook scoring 53. Siraj once again showcased his skills, taking five wickets, while Krishna also claimed four, helping to keep England’s scoring in check.