Series Drawn 2-2: Indian Lion Hearts Steal Victory on Day 5 of the 5th Test Match

August 4, 2025: India has levelled the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy 2-2 after snatching victory from under England's nose on Day 5 of the final Test Match of the Series.

In what looked like a miracle, whilst England needed just 35 runs with 4 wickets and a full days play in hand, the Indian pace duo of Siraj and Prasidh combined skill with nerves of steel to take down all the remaining four wickets of the English team, with 7 runs yet to be scored.

A lion hearted, fiery but consistent spell of pace bowling by Siraj saw him taking a 5 wicket haul in the second innings of the final test, finishing with 9 wickets in all in the match. Well supported by his partner in pace Prasidh Krishna, the two ended the inaugural Anderson Tendulkar Trophy in the most defining and deserving manner - a nail biting finish to a match that looked to be in Englands pocket, till just a few hours ago. Sira struck with the first two wickets as play began on Day 5 at The Oval and this was followed by a wicket from Prasidh. In walked th einjured Chris Woakes in a brave attempt to save the match for his team, but his last wicket partner succumbed to a fiery ball from Siraj.

An exihilirating century from Harry Brooke and a calm settled ton by Joe Root, helped England come in touching distance of a famous victory as this would have been England's highest run chase. Instead, the momentum was brought to a halt and the tides turned in India's favour in the very first session of play on Day 5. Siraj and Prasidh helped team India to a stunning victory.

Earlier in the test match, Yashasvi Jaiswal with a calm but sparkling century and Washington with a swift half century, helped India give England a challenging target of 374. The highest total to chase at The Oval, was 263 which England chased against Australia, 123 years ago in 1902. Since then this was the highest total to chase.

The final twist, however, went in India's favor.