The Oval witnessed one of the most thrilling test matches in the history of the game. A nail-biting game which stopped everyone’s heart while watching it. A game which England was about to steal from India turned out to be one of the greatest test wins for Team India. India won the match by the narrowest margin of only 6 runs and ended a 5-match series in a 2-2 draw.
An Unreal Tail of England’s Batting Collapse
On day 4, Harry Brook and Joe Root put together a tremendous partnership that almost broke the Indian bowling unit and nearly won it for England, but after the dismissal of Harry Brook 111(98) and Joe Root 105(152), it all started to turn India’s way. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj had their tail fired up. On day 5, England just needed 35 runs to win, and India needed 4 wickets. Siraj and Krishna made the target look tougher than it was, and England ended up losing the match. From 339-6 to 367 all out.
The Heroics of Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj turned out to be a true fighter for Team India. Siraj played all 5 test matches, bowled 185.3 overs, and still bowled the last ball that uprooted the stumps at the speed of 143 kmph. This shows the intensity he brings to the ground in the 5th match. Siraj had an impressive figure of 9/190 and ended up winning the award of Player of the match. Siraj had an extraordinary series with the ball, with 23 wickets; he was the leading wicket-taker in the series.
Sundar and Akashdeep's Magical Knocks
When the moment demanded a hero, Washington Sundar came forward and played a courageous knock of 53 (46). The boundaries he hit during the last wicket partnership of 39 runs with Prasidh Krishna. In the previous match, Sundar scored his maiden test hundred, and in this match, he scored a half-century when it mattered the most. Akashdeep played a different role as a batter in the 2nd innings, came in to bat as a night watchman, but ended up scoring 66(94). An inning that made a huge impact on Indian batting.
A Record-Breaking Series For Captain Gill
Before the series, Shubman Gill was under a pile of questions and doubts, but he batted his way out of all that noise. Gill made a record-breaking 754 runs, breaking Graham Gooch’s 752 runs record in India India-England series. In terms of leadership, Gill made a huge impact in leading the arguably young Indian Team. Gill also received the award for Player of the series for India.
This match was full of players displaying resilience, intensity and strong fight. Apart from Siraj’s perseverance, there were a few other moments that also stole the spotlight. Chris Woakes coming out to bat with his injured hand showed what putting your body on the line for your country truly means. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 118 (164), Prasidh Krishna’s remarkable bowling figures, taking 8/188, including the crucial wicket of set Joe Root in the second innings.
A series that had all the drama, ups and downs, tragedy and happiness will be remembered for a long time. Both teams gave their absolute best whenever they stepped on the ground; people witnessed pure test cricket for 25 days. A clash between fiery Bazball and young Gill’s warriors was a sheer example of intense fighting and a never-give-up attitude; a series that did not fall on anyone’s side and ended in a fair result of a draw by 2-2.
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