The 5th Test of the Series between India and England at The Oval on Day 5 witnessed an exciting climax as India won the match by only 6 runs, taking the series to 2-2. England were 339/6 at the start of their innings and required only 35 runs to pull off a chase of 374, which would have been a record. However, losing Jacob Bethell early to Prasidh Krishna set off a collapse. A couple of moments later, Krishna delivered the biggest blow of the morning, taking the wicket of Joe Root for 105, with Dhruv Jurel, keeper, taking a sharp catch. India sensed an opening, and the momentum quickly shifted in their favor.

Mohammed Siraj was power-packed and contributed a very impressive spell. He got rid of Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton in a jiffy, which made the score 9 down and still over 20 runs to get. Gus Atkinson, however, did not give up easily; even under great pressure, he hit a boundary with a six to get the target closer. With only Chris Woakes left, who was battling a shoulder injury and came out to bat left-handed with his right arm in a sling, the situation turned heroic. Atkinson farmed the strike, doing his best to protect Woakes and inch closer to the target.

Siraj seals India’s win with final blow

England needed 7 runs to win, and India needed 1 wicket. But India had the final say. Mohammed Siraj bowled a perfect yorker to clean up Atkinson for 17, sealing the win for India. Siraj finished with 5/104, while Krishna supported with 4/126. England were bowled out for 367 in 85.1 overs, just short of glory. The thrilling final session brought down the curtains on an epic five-Test series, with both teams sharing honors at 2-2. Siraj’s composure and Woakes’ courage were the standout stories on a truly remarkable day of Test cricket.

Watch the video here

Test cricket peaked here! 🔥 🇮🇳
pic.twitter.com/uS3jQSYHCp

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 4, 2025

See Also: ‘Regulation catch at this level’ – Former Australian cricketer criticizes Mohammed Siraj’s crucial drop in 5th Test at the Oval

The fifth and final Test between India and England is shaping up to be a nail-biting finish. Starting Day 4, India looked in control, with England still needing 324 runs to win and only one wicket down.

However, England staged a strong fightback through key partnerships that kept the chase alive. The hosts steadily chipped away at the target, frustrating the Indian bowlers with a composed batting display.

As the day neared its end, England were just 35 runs away from victory with three wickets remaining. But play was halted early due to poor light and rain, leaving the outcome hanging in the balance. The star commentators weren’t happy with this pause at the end.

See Also: Weather forecast for Day 05 of ENG vs IND 5th Test at Kennington Oval

Commentators Take Dig at ‘Match Officials’ Decision:

Rain paused the final session of the final Test, leading the umpires to send the players back to the pavilion. With conditions not improving, stumps were declared early, pushing the match into a decisive fifth and final day.

Experienced commentators Nasser Hussain and Dinesh Karthik questioned the umpires' decision to call stumps before time. They felt the game, which was building up to a thrilling finish, should have continued and reached its conclusion in front of a full crowd at the stadium.

On Sky Sports, Nasser Hussain said, “ Most importantly for viewers and fans who paid good money, remember Monday is a workday, and this sort of series deserves a finale in front of a big crowd at an iconic cricket ground, the Oval. That would have been some finale on Sunday, you may have just knocked off 35, or you may have seen Chris Woakes walk downstairs in a sling. I'm just wondering if they could have done anything, they had like 42-43 minutes to play with and within the laws and the playing regulations.”

He further said, “ If the groundsman had said no, we can't get the covers off in that time, the umpires would have to call stumps. I'm just wondering, you do have the option of the extra half hour, don't you? If you feel you can get result at 7.30, if there was 10 to win, the umpires would have given the team the extra half hour, I was just wondering if you could give the extra half hour at 6:42 (11:12 PM IST) and say to the teams, it has to come from the teams.”

Agreeing with Nasser Hussain, Dinesh Karthik also expressed disappointment over the early end to the day’s play. He remarked that the match officials should have applied some “common sense” before making such a decision, especially with the match so finely poised.

Karthik said, “ Little bit of rain, and I agree the rules are the rules, but I kind of like what Nasser said, that half an hour extension that you get meant, even if it meant it needed to start at 6.45, it could well have been 11, 12 hours, it could have gone either way, the crowd would have gotten to see the result, and it's a nice feeling to know that both teams have gone so hard, you give them the option, they don't want to use it, fair enough, everybody's going to come back tomorrow for whatever it's worth, but today, I think a little bit more common sense would have been to ask, I'm not saying it should happen, to ask I think is the fair thing to do.”

Harry Brook made the most of a lucky escape to score his first fourth‑innings hundred on Sunday, August 3, in the 5th and final Test of the Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy. The world’s No. 1 Test batter played a fearless knock, reaching his century in just 91 balls and putting England in a strong position while chasing 374 against India.

It was Brook’s 10th Test hundred, coming in only his 50th innings, making him the second‑highest century‑maker in Test cricket since 2022, just behind Joe Root’s 15. But things could have been very different. On 19, Brook mistimed a pull shot off Prasidh Krishna straight to Mohammed Siraj at deep fine leg. Siraj caught the ball but stepped back onto the boundary rope, turning what could have been a wicket into six runs.

That moment seemed to spark Brook into action. In the same over, he smashed 18 runs and never looked back. Batting alongside Joe Root, England’s top run‑scorer, Brook kept attacking and made sure the Indian bowlers were under constant pressure.

The pair put together a brilliant 195‑run partnership for the fourth wicket, slowly taking the game away from India. Brook’s innings finally came to an end just before Tea when he hit one to Siraj at mid‑off off Akash Deep, scoring 111 from only 90 balls. By the time he walked off, England needed less than 100 runs, and his blistering knock had set the perfect stage for a memorable chase.

ALSO READ: 'It is a battle...' - Nasser Hussain emphasizes England needs tough characters for upcoming Ashes 2025

Twitter reactions after Harry Brook Smashes 91‑Ball Hundred in 4th‑Innings Chase of 374

HARRY BROOK SMASHED HUNDRED FROM JUST 91 BALLS WHILE CHASING 374 RUNS IN THE 4th INNINGS 🥶 pic.twitter.com/uwxpGF7voc

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 3, 2025

✅ 10th Test Hundred
✅ 1st fourth innings century
✅ 113.27 strike rate
✅ 14 fours
✅ 2 sixes

Harry Brook at his brutal best 🫡#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/4Vx9WVjllz

— England's Barmy Army 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) August 3, 2025

A 92 BALL HUNDRED BY HARRY BROOK IN THE 4TH INNINGS WHILE CHASING 374. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/0tCh17XRKF

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 3, 2025

A mammoth 195-run stand comes to an end! 👏

Harry Brook's sensational ton ends at 111(98) at the Oval. 🏟️🙇‍♂️

Any twist in the tale? 👀

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 - 301/4 (62.4)#HarryBrook #Tests #ENGvIND #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/BojhhIr7Cx

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) August 3, 2025

INCREDIBLE HUNDRED FOR HARRY BROOK..!!!! 💯

He smashed a brilliant hundred in this run chase against India at The Oval, His 10th Test Hundreds - What a Hundred by Harry Brook. pic.twitter.com/Podp9EBjwJ

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) August 3, 2025

Brook Brilliance Under Pressure! 🔥

A stunning 111 off 98, Harry Brook delivers a masterclass in the chase pic.twitter.com/8eDTJBVeVM

— CRICKETNMORE (@cricketnmore) August 3, 2025

91 BALLS HUNDRED FOR HARRY BROOK IN THE 4TH INNINGS WHILE CHASING 374! 🤯🔥

What a magnificent knock by him a performance that will be remembered for years, both by him and the Indian bowlers! pic.twitter.com/oHQ0fWLLlh

— junaiz (@Cricjunaizdaily) August 3, 2025

Ravindra Jadeja is showing no signs of slowing down. While teammates Rohit Sharm and Virat Kohli have retired from Test cricket after a dip in form, Jadeja is enjoying one of the best batting runs of his career. Once known mainly as a bowling all‑rounder, he has now proved himself as a complete batter.

His latest fifty at The Oval is his fifth of the England tour, along with a fine hundred. This makes him the first Indian to score over 500 runs in a Test series while batting at No. 6 or lower. He has scored runs in almost every match, missing a fifty only once at Leeds where he was still unbeaten on 25.

At Edgbaston and Lord’s, he made twin fifties, at Old Trafford he hit a century, and now he ends the tour with another important half‑century. Coming in at 229/5 in the final Test, Jadeja steadied the innings and then played his shots. On a tough second‑innings pitch, he once again proved why he’s been India’s most reliable player this series.

ALSO READ: ENG vs IND: Team India Equals Record with 8 Scores of 300+ in a Test Series

Twitter reactions after Ravindra Jadeja Hits Crucial Fifty in 5th Test at The Oval

🇮🇳 SIR JADEJA CREATES HISTORY!⁰Ravindra Jadeja becomes the first Indian to score 500+ runs in a Test series batting at No. 6 or below:

His 2nd-innings masterclass this series:⁰Leeds: 25*⁰Birmingham: 69*⁰Lord’s: 61*⁰Manchester: 107⁰Oval: 51* and counting!⁰#ENGvIND #Jadeja pic.twitter.com/RGJawS9mHq

— . (@CricCrazyDeepak) August 2, 2025

6th Fifty for Ravindra Jadeja in just 10 innings this tour! 🤯✅

Fifty in 2nd Test ✅

Fifty in 2nd Test ✅

Fifty in 3rd Test ✅

Fifty in 3rd Test ✅

Fifty in 4th Test ✅

Fifty in 5th Test ✅

What a sensational run with the bat! 💥 pic.twitter.com/o0teviScso

— Cricket Addict (@Cricketaddictin) August 2, 2025

Another fifty from Ravindra Jadeja, what a warrior!

He hasn’t gotten out in the second innings in this series. #EngVsInd #INDvENG #Oval pic.twitter.com/6IvfOCk9lA

— Debu (@debasish_mishra) August 2, 2025

🚨 5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣+ runs and 6️⃣th FIFTY+ score for Ravindra Jadeja in this series!

He becomes the first ever Indian to score 500+ runs in a Test series batting at number 6 or below 🥇

Always reliable, solid, responsible he his, and he has brought this match back to India's hands 💥… pic.twitter.com/ECNqY2eXTL

— Cricketangon (@cricketangon) August 2, 2025

A fifty for Ravindra Jadeja.🔥

6th Fifty in this ENG-IND test series

Sir Jadeja = Most Valuable Player of Team India 🫡#ENGvsIND #OvalTest pic.twitter.com/3hMIcaplyT

— Ａ乃𝕦𝕥𝐇Ⓐ𝐥ιᶠ (@GOAT_Abu) August 2, 2025

🏏 SIR JADEJA 🐐

Ravindra Jadeja now has the MOST 50+ scores in this Test series #Jadeja #ENGvIND #5thTest pic.twitter.com/TSz2c6cJuT

— Hindustan (@InsideHindustan) August 2, 2025

Another fine FIFTY comes up from Ravindra Jadeja 🔥

📸: JioHotstar #ENGvIND #Tests #Oval #Insidesport #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/4BghLCPTfF

— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) August 2, 2025

On Day 1 of the fifth and final Test at The Oval, India experienced a major defeat when Ravindra Jadeja got out for only 9 runs. This sent the visitors into a difficult situation. England, having won the toss and decided to bowl in overcast conditions, made the most of the receptive wicket. The Indian top order found it difficult to play against the swinging ball, and Jadeja’s loss at the early stage dented their hopes of a solid first-innings total.

The day began with rain delays, and only six overs could be bowled in the afternoon session before tea was taken early. In that short period, India lost their skipper, Shubman Gill, who was dismissed for 21 after a run-out following a single that was misjudged. Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair tried to rebuild a partnership with a gritty stand after tea, but Josh Tongue ended the stand with a brilliant ball that got Sudharsan out for 38. Soon after, he delivered another gem to get rid of Jadeja.

Jadeja walked in at number six, aiming to stabilize the innings. Tongue angled a delivery in from around the wicket. The ball straightened after pitching, took Jadeja’s outside edge, and was safely pouched by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. The all-rounder’s dismissal left India reeling at 123/5, with England firmly in control.

Watch the video here

Josh Tongue - the first time was so nice, he had to do it twice ✌️

(via @englandcricket) #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/CcFbntRCQe

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 31, 2025

See Also: 'Those were the right picks' - Former India coach backs key selections for ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Tongue’s Brilliant Spell Puts India on the Back Foot

Josh Tongue has been the standout bowler in the match, grabbing 2/32 and constantly troubling batters with his bounce and movement. His removal of Jadeja marked as turning point of the session. At the time of writing, India is 137/5 in 46 overs—Karun Nair 18*, Dhruv Jurel 7*.

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has backed the team management’s selection decisions for the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England at The Oval. The 52-year-old endorsed the inclusion of Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna in the playing XI, calling them the “right picks” for the conditions. With Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, and Anshul Kamboj left out, and Rishabh Pant unavailable due to injury, Bangar believed the team had made thoughtful and tactical choices.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Bangar said, “I think those were the right picks because Akash Deep has been quite effective, not only in England but also in the Test matches he played in Australia. At The Oval, you would want a Prasidh Krishna to play because of his extra bounce. A very important match for Prasidh Krishna because he was somebody who was not picked in the last match, and Anshul Kamboj was preferred over him when he was fit and available.” Akash Deep had missed the fourth Test at Old Trafford due to injury, while Krishna, who played the first two Tests, was replaced by Bumrah at Lord's.

India made four changes to the XI for the series decider. Bangar felt that the combination of factors—Pant's absence, the underperformance of the pace-bowling all-rounder, and the green pitch at The Oval—led to the team’s final selection. He noted these elements likely influenced the exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav and the preference for a more seam-friendly setup.

Multiple Factors Influenced India’s Final XI

“I think it is a combination of many factors, not one or two,” Bangar said. “So what am I looking at? 1. The unavailability of Rishabh Pant, who has scored a lot of runs in the series. He wasn't available. Secondly, maybe the Indian team would have thought of what the pace bowling all-rounder was actually giving them, and if he is not giving them what they are expecting, then I think they also see an opportunity at The Oval to bowl a few more overs of spin and not have that option of the sixth bowler affect the decision-making process.”

See Also: [WATCH ]'Will Have to Play Against Us' – Shahid Afridi words backfire as India Champions boycott WCL 2025 semi-final

He added, “The thing about the green tinge at The Oval would have meant that any thoughts of playing Kuldeep would have gone away with that. I see the combination of all those three factors that have gone into the thinking of what combination India is playing.” Throughout the series, India has consistently opted for batting depth over a pure five-bowler approach, with Washington Sundar preferred over Kuldeep Yadav as the second spinner.

India and England will play the final Test of the series at the Kennington Oval on July 31. The fifth and final showdown will provide India an opportunity to level the series, on the other hand, England will eye a series win despite missing the services of their captain, Ben Stokes, and other key players such as Jofra Archer.

For the final Test, Oval is decked up with a green pitch promising ample aid for the pacers. The pitch is tinge green and it has made the internet come out and have an opinion or two just before the thrilling encounter. While some are criticising the fact that the deck is too green, others are excited about the prospects of seeing some very close contest between the bat and ball.

See Also: India Champions boycott WCL 2025 semifinal against Pakistan Champions: Reports

The topic over the pitch became even more interesting when Gautam Gambhir was involved in an altercation with the pitch curator a day before the game. And netizens have drawn parallel between the two incidents comically.

A GREEN TOP ON MATCH DAY FOR THE OVAL TEST. 🥶 [📸: Rohan Chowdhury] pic.twitter.com/Hl4Ie3lWAN

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 31, 2025

Here are some twitter reactions:

Bad news for India.

— Muhammad Zeeshan Awan (@surrakimuhammad) July 31, 2025

field looks hot and ready

— Whhyzz (@Whhyzz) July 31, 2025

Yo, that green top at The Oval looks spicy! 🥶 Perfect for a Test match vibe—bet the bowlers are licking their lips. Rohan Chowdhury’s snap is fire! 📸 What’s the buzz on X about this pitch? Want me to check?

— Harishwar Pratap singh (@Pratap4916) July 31, 2025

Green Pitch + Weather 🤯

— D.S. Bhati (@DSCricinfo789) July 31, 2025

Scary pitch

— the unknown memes (@theunknowmemes) July 31, 2025

Former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has weighed in ahead of the crucial fifth and final Test between India and England, starting Thursday, July 31, at The Oval. With England currently leading the series 2-1, the contest carries massive stakes for both sides. Speaking on Star Sports, Parthiv predicted the outcome of the match and highlighted key players who could turn the game around in India’s favor.

The former cricketer identified either Washington Sundar or Ravindra Jadeja as India’s X-factor at The Oval, citing the favorable conditions for spinners. “I think either of Washington Sundar or Ravindra Jadeja will be the X-factor. There is that drift and bounce at The Oval; if a spinner does well, you can aim for a win,” he said. Both all-rounders scored centuries in the fourth Test and were instrumental in helping India secure a dramatic draw. He also spotlighted captain Shubman Gill, saying, “I think the player to watch out for is Shubman Gill because of the way he is performing, and especially in the fourth Test, how he applied himself.”

Parthiv also expressed his desire to see Jasprit Bumrah return for the final Test. There were initial plans for Bumrah to play only three of the five games, but with the series on the line, Parthiv hopes the ace pacer will be available. “Unfortunately, with Jasprit Bumrah’s body, we have to see how his recovery happens or does not happen. There are many questions. But if the situation is like this, I would definitely want him to play. Hopefully, the support staff works hard on him and makes him fit.”

Kuldeep Yadav and Dhruv Jurel in Focus

Parthiv further reflected on India’s bowling combination and made a strong case for including wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. “I think the bowling can be better. I am also saying this from the second Test, given the conditions here, India has to somehow find that way of bringing Kuldeep Yadav in. Your batting is in form. If you have to win, you need 20 wickets,” he said. With uncertainty surrounding Bumrah’s fitness, he believes India needs an attacking spinner. “Washington and Jadeja can contain, but you need an attacking spinner. You have that wrist-spinner. They should think of Kuldeep in place of Shardul,” he added.

Watch the video here

See Also: [WATCH] ENG vs IND 5th Test: Oval's Lee Fortis open up his side over controversy with Gautam Gambhir

With Rishabh Pant ruled out of the fifth Test due to a fractured toe, Parthiv also backed Dhruv Jurel to play. “You will find a batting-friendly pitch at The Oval. You can expect more bounce and can see more runs being scored. I don’t think India will look at KL as a keeper and do anything different there. I think Dhruv Jurel will get an opportunity. It remains to be seen which position he plays. But he will definitely play,” he said. England, on the other hand, will look to clinch the series 3-1, while India will aim to ride the momentum from the drawn Test in Manchester to level the series 2-2.

The Oval curator Lee Fortis has addressed the heated incident that took place between him and India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Tuesday. The tense exchange was witnessed during India's practice session, where Gambhir was seen pointing fingers at Fortis and audibly stating, "you don't tell us what we need to do." The verbal spat drew attention from players and support staff alike, leaving onlookers surprised by the intensity of the moment.

When questioned about the incident, Fortis maintained a guarded stance. “You saw what he was like this morning. He's a bit touchy,” he remarked, refusing to dive into the specifics. He added, “There’s no side of the story. You’ll have to ask him that,” when pressed further. Despite multiple attempts by reporters to extract details, Fortis refrained from providing facts, merely concluding, “I’m okay. We’ve got nothing to hide here.”

The Indian team is currently in London for the fifth and final Test against England, starting Thursday at The Oval. England is leading the series 2-1, and the pressure is on India, who are looking to tie the series following a nail-biting draw at Old Trafford. The altercation was said to be caused by issues regarding the practice pitch, which got India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak involved to smooth things over.

Practice Pitch Dispute Sparks Heated Words

According to eyewitness accounts at the venue, the argument escalated quickly, with Gambhir visibly agitated. Fortis was seen walking away to speak with Kotak privately, but Gambhir continued to express his displeasure, saying, “You don’t tell us what we need to do. You can’t tell any one of us what we need to do. You are just a groundsman; stay like a groundsman.” After a long chat between Kotak and Fortis, both parties eventually separated, and Gambhir returned to supervise India’s training session.

Watch the video here.

Here's what Lee Fortis, English Chief Pitch Curator said on his altercation with Indian Head Coach Gautam Gambhir 👇👇@AnkanKar | @im_sandipan #OvalTest #GautamGambhir#ENGvIND #RaySportzCricket pic.twitter.com/DXFaOx0qI9

— Ray Sportz Cricket (@raysportz_cric) July 29, 2025

See Also: [WATCH] Gautam Gambhir angry on groundsmen ahead of ENG vs IND 5th Test at Kennington Oval

This incident strengthens the emotional trouble in a heavier-than-usual series. From Shubman Gill's outburst at Lord’s to the frustration of the England side during the draw at Manchester, it has been a tense five-Test series. With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at stake, both teams will feel the pressure as they head into the final showdown.