On the fifth morning at The Oval, as the Indian team was strategising for victory, match referee Jeff Crowe sent a message that they were six overs behind schedule. He warned that if the over rate was not improved, India would be docked four World Test Championship (WTC) points unless they bowled England out. This was India’s first series of the WTC cycle, and having missed last year’s final, these four points were deemed crucial. The warning prompted a crucial strategy meeting inside the dressing room.

In the meeting, attended by captain Shubman Gill, head coach Gautam Gambhir, assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak, and others, one member suggested using both spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, after Prasidh Krishna’s over to improve the rate. While this could have fixed the over rate, it risked giving English batters Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton an opportunity to score quickly in the absence of pace bowlers. Such a move could have shifted momentum towards England and potentially jeopardised India’s chances of winning the match.

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According to sources, coach Gautam Gambhir firmly stated that he was not concerned about the over rate, insisting that the priority was to play for victory, even if it meant losing four WTC points. It was then decided to continue the attack with Prasidh Krishna from one end and Mohammed Siraj from the other. Captain Shubman Gill agreed with this aggressive approach, and the strategy paid off. India eventually secured the win, sacrificing over rate management for the ultimate prize, a crucial Test victory.

जब भारतीय टीम ओवल में पांचवें दिन की सुबह जीत की रणनीति बना रही थी तब मैच रेफरी जेफ क्रो ने संदेश भिजवाया कि भारतीय टीम निर्धारित समय से छह ओवर पीछे है। अगर ये ओवर रेट नहीं सुधरा तो आपके चार अंक कटेंगे। या तो आपको इंग्लैंड को आलआउट करना होगा। यदि भारतीय टीम इंग्लैंड को आलआउट नहीं… pic.twitter.com/VBrQ79Gxlv

— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) August 9, 2025

England and India levelled the series 2-2

The 2025 England vs India Test series was a fiercely contested five-match affair that ended in a 2-2 stalemate. England started strong with a five-wicket win at Headingley, but India roared back at Edgbaston, claiming victory by a massive 336-run margin. The third Test at Lord’s saw England edge home by 22 runs in another tense finish, putting them ahead once more. India responded with resilience in the final Test at The Oval, clinching a dramatic six-run win. The fourth Test at Old Trafford had ended in a draw, setting up the thrilling series finale.

Shubman Gill was the standout performer with the bat, amassing an outstanding 754 runs, including four centuries, to top the series charts. Mohammed Siraj led India’s bowling attack with precision and aggression, finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 23 scalps. Their individual brilliance was instrumental in India’s fightback and eventual series-levelling performance. The evenly balanced scoreline reflected the intensity and quality of cricket on display, making the series one of the most gripping and evenly fought contests between England and India in recent memory.

The recent five-match Test series between England and India was full of excitement, with antics in every game. After losing at Lord's and Nottingham and trailing 1-2, India drew in Manchester and won the final game decisively at The Oval by six runs. In a fierce competition for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the series ended in a draw at 2-2. England’s Harry Brook and India’s Shubman Gill were named joint Players of the Series, though Brook graciously declined the honour, believing someone else was more deserving of the recognition.

Despite amassing 481 runs at an impressive average of 53.44, including two centuries and a score of 99, Harry Brook felt Joe Root was the standout performer for England. Brook played a key role in the final Test at The Oval, scoring a valiant 111 in the fourth innings, nearly taking England to a historic chase. Still, he publicly stated that Root's consistent brilliance throughout the series, particularly his three centuries and overall impact, made him the rightful recipient of the Player of the Series award.

See Also: 'We failed to recognize...'- Former India cricketer certifies the excellence of Mohammed Siraj during ENG vs IND Test series

Joe Root emerged as England’s top run-scorer with 537 runs at an average of 67, including a memorable century at The Oval. That final ton was particularly emotional as Root donned a special headband to pay homage to his former mentor Graham Thorpe. His partnership with Brook for 195 runs in the final innings almost won England the game. Ultimately, Root's dismissal triggered a sensational collapse, with India taking seven wickets, costing only 66 runs to clinch the win in exciting style and level the series. 

"I didn't score as many runs as Rooty (Joe Root), so I probably think he should be Man of the Series or Man of the Summer. He has been for many years," Brook told in an interview with BBC.

Watch the video here;

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has heaped praise on the Indian team for their spirited performance in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, reserving special admiration for young skipper Shubman Gill. India may not have clinched the series, but coming from behind to draw 2-2 has earned admiration from fans and cricket experts across the globe.

What made India’s campaign especially remarkable was that they achieved this in the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, with Jasprit Bumrah only being available for a limited number of games. Shubman Gill, leading a very young team, stepped up and produced one of the best batting performances we've seen in a long time. Gill amassed 754 runs in the series, topping the charts, and in the process, notched up four centuries in SENA countries after previously having none. England coach Brendon McCullum named him the Player of the Series.

“Incredible — Test cricket at its absolute best,” Kaneria said, as quoted by TOI. “There’s nothing that compares to the demands of Test cricket. It tests every ounce of a player's physical and mental toughness over five days. This young Indian team, without Rohit and Virat, performed unbelievably under Shubman Gill’s leadership. He carried the team on his shoulders and scored over 700 runs; it’s simply outstanding.”

Siraj hailed for resilience; Akash Deep’s knock called the turning point

Danish Kaneria didn’t stop at just lauding Gill. He also reserved high praise for Mohammed Siraj, whose resilience and commitment helped India fight back when all seemed lost. Despite being under pressure after a series of missteps, including a dropped catch at The Oval, Siraj roared back into form with a match-winning five-wicket haul. “Mohammed Siraj is a true lionheart. His commitment to the team is unmatched,” Kaneria said. “To play all five Tests, all of which went the distance, and to bowl with the same intensity shows his incredible fitness and passion. He carried the pace attack on his shoulders.”

See Also: 'He did not have proper..' - Mohammed Siraj's former teammate recalls early struggles after ENG vs IND 2025 Tests

Kaneria further credited key batting efforts in India’s series-leveling win. “The turning point, in my opinion, was Akash Deep’s 66. Those runs gave India a much-needed boost,” he remarked. “Jaiswal’s attacking century, along with late-order runs from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, played a major role in sealing the win.”

Mohammed Siraj’s rise to becoming one of India's leading fast bowlers is nothing short of inspirational. Speaking on the occasion, former Hyderabad opening batter Akshath Reddy reminisced about the time they played together when Siraj faced immense financial struggle. In a chat with Mid-day, Reddy revealed that Siraj did not even have proper cricket spikes and would often slip while bowling on grassy surfaces.

“I remember he did not have proper spikes and so would often slip on the grass. Azeem helped him with a new [pair of spikes]. But he bowled really fast stuff anyway. No batter could play him,” said Reddy. He further added that Siraj’s raw pace made it extremely difficult for batters, even at that stage, to play him comfortably. Siraj made his first-class debut for Hyderabad in a Ranji Trophy match against Services in November 2015.

Supporting Reddy’s observation, former India cricketer Arshad Ayub praised Siraj’s natural speed and hunger for success. Ayub said that the Hyderabad selectors noticed his potential early on and fast-tracked him into the Ranji side. He added, “Siraj was very fast. He had that hunger to excel. We saw his potential and selected him for the U-22 team and eventually fast-tracked him to the Ranji team in 2015. The next year we had Bharat Arun as our coach, and he molded him into a top-quality bowler.”

Siraj’s rise fuelled by India ‘A’ experience and determination

Former chairman of selectors MSK Prasad credited Siraj's development to systematic grooming through India ‘A’ cricket. He noted that Siraj gained confidence by bowling alongside world-class pacers and gradually built himself into a dependable Test bowler. “Systematic grooming helped Siraj grow as a fast bowler. By playing for India ‘A’ in a good number of matches, he got that confidence to bowl alongside pacers like [Mohammed] Shami and [Jasprit] Bumrah,” Prasad told Mid-day.

See Also: WATCH: Suniel Shetty roars with Joy at the Oval as India clinch thrilling win to level series against England

Prasad also lauded Siraj's character and ability to take responsibility in challenging situations. “Although he had a bad start in T20Is, he worked his way into the Test team. He had the character and is a workhorse when it comes to bowling long spells. He has always loved challenges, and today, in the absence of Bumrah, he took up the responsibility admirably,” he said. Siraj made his Test debut for India during the Boxing Day Test against Australia in December 2020, claiming 2/40 in 15 overs in the first innings.

The final day of the fifth Test match between India and England at The Oval was a roller-coaster match with thrill and drama, and it produced a thrilling result and a wonderful moment of respect and sportsmanship. Indian batters KL Rahul and Shubman Gill were seen acknowledging England’s Chris Woakes for his extraordinary guts, despite squeezing pressure and agony, in what turned out to be one of the most thrilling climaxes in modern Test cricket.

England began Day 5 needing 35 runs with four wickets in hand, chasing an imposing 374-run target set by India. The tension was high, and the cricket was of the highest quality. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bowled with heart, and the wickets kept falling. But the highlight of the morning, apart from India sealing a six-run win, was Chris Woakes walking out to bat with a dislocated shoulder and his arm in a sling, willing to do whatever it took to help England reach the finish line.

Woakes had injured himself while fielding on Day 1, and it was uncertain whether he would bat at all. Yet, with 17 runs still needed and only one wicket remaining, he walked in at No. 11, unable to even hold the bat properly. Though he didn’t face a single ball Siraj bowled, Gus Atkinson, before Woakes could get on strike, his mere presence at the crease spoke volumes.

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Watch the video:

KL Rahul & Shubman Gill Appreciate Chris Woakes Dedication For Cricket! pic.twitter.com/brkSBTlaI2

— 𝐀•ᴷᴸ ᴿᵃʰᵘˡ ˢᵗᵃⁿ (@123Centurion__) August 4, 2025

Rahul and Gill’s gesture for injured Woakes shows the true spirit of the game

KL Rahul gave Woakes a pat on the back mere moments before he accepted Shubman's respectful gesture for coming out to bat injured. A brief, significant moment that summed up Test cricket competition with respect. Woakes' willingness to bat injured drew comparisons to Rishabh Pant's brave attempt earlier in the series, where he batted injured with a leg ailment. England Captain Joe Root even used Pant as an example while praising Woakes' character.

India’s stunning win and the 2–2 series draw will be remembered for years, but so will that moment of sportsmanship, a reminder that sometimes, the game is bigger than just the result. It’s about character, courage, and camaraderie.

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly criticized Indian skipper Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir for their recurring tactical errors during the ongoing England Test series. Despite Gill’s personal success with the bat—becoming the second-highest run-getter by an Indian in a single Test series and notching the most hundreds by an Indian captain in an overseas tour—Ashwin believes his lack of game awareness as a captain has been costly.

Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat,’ also questioned Gambhir's credentials in red-ball cricket, stating that the coach’s strategic efficiency has come under serious doubt during this high-stakes series. The veteran spinner felt that India’s overall tactical sharpness has been below par throughout the tour, and it has allowed England to capitalize, especially in key moments like the 195-run partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook.

“Coming back to the topic of spinners not being used, I have felt in this series that there has been a lack of game awareness and, in many ways, our tactical acumen both on and off the field. This is the main reason why England is ahead in this series and India is behind. We haven't been the sharpest,” said Ashwin, pointing out that poor field decisions have allowed England to dominate despite India’s individual brilliance.

Ashwin points to missed opportunities but still backs Gill’s growth

Ashwin specifically mentioned that a better use of spinners during crucial stages could have choked England’s scoring rate and opened up more opportunities for breakthroughs. Referring to Harry Brook’s aggressive batting, he said, “When Harry Brook started taking it on, after 20 runs, you could have brought on the spinner to choke the run flows. From the other end, a pacer could have bowled. With all this in mind, Washington Sundar could have been brought earlier into the attack.”

See Also: ‘Going in with a half-fit bowler is a crime’ – Navjot Singh Sidhu slams Indian management ahead of ENG vs IND 5th test

While Ashwin was critical, he also acknowledged Gill’s potential to grow as a leader. “I feel Shubman Gill will get really better as the captain. He will learn. But sometimes if you feel that you can play spin really well, you will not bring spinners into the attack, and when you miss the moment to bring the spinners in these conditions, then the spinner becomes a really defensive option.” Meanwhile, bowling coach Morne Morkel admitted that India made tactical mistakes and would reflect on them post-series, including the decision to leave out Kuldeep Yadav for batting depth on certain surfaces.

After being smashes all over the park in the first session of Day 2, India made a commendable comeback and restricted the England batting juggernaut to just 245 runs. And at the end of Day 2, India fetched a lead of 52 runs, losing the wickets of KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan in the process.

Yashasvi Jaiswal seems to have found his mojo and is unbeaten on 51 runs off just 49 balls and is joined by Akashdeep at the crease. Former India pacer, Varun Aaron has backed Indian batters to make use of the conditions and also commended their efforts to restrict England from a getting a major lead in the first innings.

Read More: WATCH: KL Rahul defends Prasidh Krishna amid altercation with Joe Root during first innings of ENG vs IND fifth Test

“I think India are in a good position. The wicket of Sai Sudharsan could have been avoided, but it was a great delivery there wasn’t much he could have done. For me, the story of the day was the bowling spells from Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. They bowled with real heart. Even Akash Deep did a solid holding job. England started aggressively in the morning almost shock-and-awe but the Indian bowlers held their nerve,” Aaron said on Jiohotstar match centre live.

The series is poised 2-1 in favour of England

India would like to fetch a win in the ongoing Test at the Oval in order to avoid a loss and eventually series loss. A win at the Oval will level the series and this could be one off instance where India have not lost a series in England recently.

“Shubman Gill, as captain, stayed calm, didn’t go defensive too early, and ensured England’s lead didn’t cross 30, which was crucial. Jaiswal’s innings looked risky at times and he had a few chances, but his aggressive intent was important. We’ve seen India struggle with run rate in this series so someone needed to keep the scoreboard ticking. India now find themselves 50 runs ahead, which is a good position,” he added.

After Jasprit Bumrah it is Mohammed Siraj, who has taken the mantle of Indian bowling attack. The pacer paired up with Bumrah becomes one of the lethal bowling duo in the world in current times. Contrary to many other fast bowlers, Siraj fortunately has not dealt many injuries.

This is also because he comes out as a natural athlete and does equal amount of hard work off the field. Besides taking care of his body, he has provided results for India in longer format by bowling longer spells and major chunk of overs in the series.

Read More: WATCH: KL Rahul defends Prasidh Krishna amid altercation with Joe Root during first innings of ENG vs IND fifth Test

Take for instance Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21. He bowled 134.2 overs and in the same year bowled 153.2 overs against England. In the recent India’s tour to Australia, he bowled 157.1 overs and in the ongoing series against England, he has bowled 155.2 overs.

Siraj is the highest wicket taker in series 

He not only bowled the longer spells in the ongoing series, but is also the highest wicket taker in the series. In 155 overs he has bowled, he has plucked 18 wickets at an average of 35.67 across nine innings.

It is also a no brainer that if India wants to level the series, 2-2 then it will be Siraj who needs to lead the bowling attack. It is something which he has shown so far in the series and fans would be hoping for some more "Miyan Magic" come the second innings of final Test.

Shubman Gill's youthful Indian side has turned up the heat on England in the high-stakes Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series. What many English fans and pundits initially dismissed as a mere Ashes warm-up has now evolved into a fiercely competitive contest. The final outcome of the series will be determined in the fifth and deciding Test at the Kennington Oval, setting the stage for a thrilling climax. India have shown tremendous resilience, proving that this series is far from a preparatory act; it’s a battle of pride, momentum, and Test cricket supremacy.

With the series currently standing at 2-1 in England’s favour, the home team needs just a win or a draw to secure the trophy. For India, however, the margin for error is nonexistent; they must win to level the series. England’s advantage stems from their hard-fought victories in Headingley and Lord’s, but India will be desperate to bounce back. The pressure is immense, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

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“Arrey unke paas koi bowling hi hain nahi (They don’t have much of a bowling attack). this is why they have made such a pitch. Stokes has taken wickets, Archer has taken wickets and Carse has taken wickets. If they are not in your team, who will take wickets? This is why they have made such a pitch so that it helps bowlers like Tongue and Co,” Gavaskar said on Sony Sports on Thursday.

Watch the video here;

Stokes was ruled out due to an injury to his right shoulder

The final moments of the Manchester Test were marred by controversy, with questions raised about England captain Ben Stokes and his team’s conduct during the post-match handshake. While the drama attracted attention, it shouldn't overshadow India’s remarkable resistance across five testing sessions. England’s bowlers had to dig deep, and their visible frustration was understandable. However, it's also important to remember the sportsmanship Stokes and his side showed after India’s heartbreaking defeat at Lord’s, highlighting the fluctuating emotions of a fiercely competitive Test series.

With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy standing at 2-1 in England’s favour, the hosts are guaranteed not to lose the series. The final Test becomes crucial for India, who must win to level the series. Stokes played a heroic role in Manchester, claiming a five-wicket haul and scoring a vital century. As a player, he continues to cement his legacy as one of England’s greatest match-winners, consistently stepping up in high-pressure moments for his team.

See Also: Playing XI for India and England in ongoing ENG vs IND 5th Test

Since assuming captaincy from Joe Root in 2022, Ben Stokes has sparked a new era in England’s Test cricket. Under his leadership, England have lost just two series, one in India (1-4) and one in Pakistan (1-2). His aggressive style, fearless decisions, and impact-driven leadership have placed him firmly in the conversation among the greatest England Test captains. With continued success, Stokes could well challenge the legacy of past greats like Vaughan, Strauss, and Brearley.

Most successful England captain in Test cricket

As it can be clearly seen, Joe Root may hold the record for most Test wins as England captain, but his tenure also included one of the most challenging phases in English cricket. Alastair Cook, though credited with a historic series win in India, shares a similar win-loss ratio with Root, reflecting mixed success during his captaincy. Mike Brearley is widely regarded as one of England’s finest leaders, boasting the best win-loss ratio by far, 18 victories to just four defeats. However, it’s worth noting he had the advantage of leading a side that included legends like Ian Botham and Bob Willis, two of England’s all-time greats.

Michael Vaughan and Andrew Strauss also enjoyed impressive captaincy records, but they had the luxury of leading arguably the strongest England teams. In contrast, Ben Stokes has achieved remarkable results with a comparatively less star-studded squad. This ability to inspire and deliver with a weaker side is what perhaps sets Stokes apart from his predecessors.