India clinch thrilling fifth Test to draw series 2-2 against England
LONDON: India pulled off a dramatic six-run victory over England in a thrilling finale at The Oval, squaring the five-match Test series 2-2 on Monday.
England began the fifth day of the deciding Test at 339 for six, chasing a stiff target of 374. Jamie Smith was unbeaten on two, with Jamie Overton yet to open his account, and the hosts required just 35 more runs for a memorable win.
However, India’s bowlers produced a spirited performance when play resumed, turning what seemed a straightforward chase into an uphill battle for England.
A vital stand between Joe Root and Harry Brook ultimately proved futile as England were dismissed for 367, falling agonisingly short.
Brook played a brilliant counter-attacking innings of 111 off just 98 balls, smashing two sixes and 14 fours, while Root contributed a patient 105 from 152 deliveries, including 12 boundaries.
Opener Ben Duckett chipped in with a valuable 54, but the rest of the English batting order faltered, with five batters failing to reach double digits.
For India, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna were the heroes with the ball, each picking up four wickets in the second innings to keep the visitors’ hopes alive.
Earlier, India had posted a formidable 396 in their second innings to set England a testing target. Yashasvi Jaiswal anchored the effort with a fluent 118, while Akash Deep added an important 66. All-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar both made handy contributions, scoring 53 apiece.
Josh Tongue led England’s bowling effort with a five-wicket haul, supported by Gus Atkinson, who claimed three, and Jamie Overton, who took two scalps.
In the first innings, India managed 224, with Karun Nair top-scoring with 57. Atkinson starred for England with figures of five wickets, while Tongue bagged three and Chris Woakes picked up one.
England responded with 247 runs in their first innings, thanks in part to a gritty 53 from Brook. Siraj continued his excellent form, taking five wickets, while Krishna’s four-wicket haul helped India keep the hosts within reach.
