ENG vs IND 2025: The final Test match of the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was very tense. In this Test played at the Oval, India won by 6 runs, which is their smallest Test victory margin. With this win, the series was tied at 2-2 and the trophy was shared. There were many twists in this match, but Mohammed Siraj's bowling caught everyone's attention in the end.
The Indian pacer pushed India towards victory by taking three wickets on the final day. He took five wickets in the second innings and played an important role in wrapping up England's second innings at 367. However, on the fourth day, he dropped an easy catch of Harry Brook, giving the Englishman a chance to complete his century. There was pressure on Siraj after that mistake, but as soon as he took the ball in his hand the next morning, his approach had changed.
Siraj did not start this series with the impact that was expected from him. His impact was not visible in the first few Tests, but as Jasprit Bumrah was sidelined, Siraj took the responsibility on his shoulders. Bumrah scalped 16 wickets in India's two victories on the tour, which clearly reflected his confidence. In the end, the Hyderabad pacer equalled Bumrah's record set in the 2021-22 series by taking a total of 23 wickets.
Prasidh Krishna was also not much behind in terms of impact in the Oval Test. He changed the course of the match by taking four wickets in the second innings. On the other hand, Chris Woakes came out to bat on the fall of the ninth wicket despite injury, but Siraj's Yorker shattered his hopes.
Siraj's performance was important not only in statistics but also in the emotion that he displayed on the field. He not only broke the back of the opposing team, but also proved himself mentality monster. The player who had to face criticism for Brook's dropped catch, built the victory the next morning.
Most wickets for India in a Test series in England
- 23 – Jasprit Bumrah, 2021-22
- 23 – Mohammed Siraj, 2025*
- 19 – Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 2014
For India, this Test became a symbol of not just victory, but passion and stubbornness. And Siraj? He is no longer just a bowler; he has become a story.
