The Indian team clinched a thrilling 6-run victory against England in the Oval Test match. England was set a target of 374 runs but fell short at 367 runs in their second innings on the last day, making it India’s narrowest Test win by runs. This triumph leveled the Test series 2-2.
Mohammed Siraj played a pivotal role in India’s victory, earning the 'Player of the Match' title by taking five wickets in the second innings. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna partnered effectively with Siraj, taking four wickets in the second innings. Together, Siraj and Krishna took four wickets each in the first innings, culminating in Siraj bagging nine and Krishna eight wickets overall. Akash Deep claimed the remaining two wickets.
Had it not been for the rain on the fourth day (August 4th), which restricted the play to only 10.2 overs in the third session, the match result might have been decided then. With time running out, the fourth day ended prematurely due to the weather. On the final day, England needed 35 runs for victory, while India required four wickets to win.
The Game on the Final Day
On the last day, Siraj first had Jamie Smith caught behind the stumps. He then trapped Jamie Overton lbw, while Prasidh Krishna shattered Josh Tongue’s stumps. As England needed 17 more runs for victory, an injured Chris Woakes came out to bat. Gus Atkinson and Woakes managed to add 10 more runs, leaving England needing seven runs. On the first ball of the 86th over, Siraj dismissed Atkinson to secure India’s victory.
Both teams entered the match with four changes each. England’s captain Ben Stokes was absent due to a shoulder injury, with Ollie Pope stepping in as captain. Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Liam Dawson were also not part of the match. On the other hand, India fielded Karun Nair, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Dhruv Jurel, while Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Anshul Kamboj, and Shardul Thakur were not included.
Match Summary
India - First Innings: 223, Second Innings: 396Target: 374England - First Innings: 247, Second Innings: 367
