India clinched a gripping six-run victory over England in the fifth Test at The Oval, squaring the series 2-2 after a tense final day of play.
England, who started the day at 339 for six, fell agonisingly short in pursuit of 374. Despite needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand, they lost their remaining batters in quick succession, handing India a memorable win.
The collapse overshadowed brilliant innings from Harry Brook and Joe Root. Brook powered his way to 111 in just 98 balls, while Root provided a steady 105. Ben Duckett contributed 54, but the rest of the batting order failed to deliver under pressure.
India’s bowling attack came alive in the final session. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna shared eight wickets between them in the second innings, turning the game in India’s favour.
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India’s second innings total of 396 had set the tone for a tough chase. Jaiswal top-scored with a composed 118, while Deep, Jadeja and Sundar made useful half-centuries. England’s Josh Tongue impressed with the ball, taking five wickets.
Earlier, India had posted 224 in their first innings. Karun Nair led the effort with 57, while England’s bowlers – particularly Atkinson, who took five wickets – restricted the total.
England responded with 247, as Brook hit 53. Siraj’s five-wicket haul and Krishna’s four-wicket burst ensured England did not gain a big lead.
The Test ended in high drama, with India defending a modest total on the last day and England crumbling under the pressure of expectation.
