London, Aug 4 (UNI) Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj delivered one of the most decisive spells of his career on Monday morning to power India to a dramatic victory over England in the final Test at The Oval, helping the visitors level the five-match series 2-2.
India’s narrowest-ever Test win came after a fierce and fluctuating contest that will now go down in cricketing history.
“Siraj is a captain’s dream,” said skipper Shubman Gill after the match. “Five Test matches, every spell with intensity — he gave us everything. Every team wishes they had someone like him. We are lucky.”
It was Siraj, alongside Prasidh Krishna, who turned the tide on a knife’s edge morning session. England needed only 37 more runs with four wickets in hand. But the Indian pacers, under grey skies and growing tension, made the ball talk — swinging, seaming, and breaking through a fragile English tail to deliver a famous win.
Gill, leading India in his first full Test series as captain, called the morning the toughest part of his leadership trial. “So many decisions to make — field placements, when to take the second new ball. But with Siraj and Prasidh bowling like that, captaincy becomes simple. They took it upon themselves.”
India had gone into Day Five knowing England would apply the heavy roller, which usually flattens the pitch and aids batting. Still, Gill insisted there was no panic. “We were confident. We knew they were feeling pressure. We just wanted to keep it on, ball by ball, run by run. Pressure forces mistakes.”
Gill acknowledged the quality of the cricket on display across the series, saying the final 2-2 result was a fair reflection. “Every match went to Day Five without a clear winner. That shows how closely contested and passionate the series was.”
For Gill personally, it was a triumphant tour. He emerged as the leading run-scorer and was named Player of the Series. “Feels very satisfying,” he said. “I had goals — I wanted to be the best batter in the series. I worked on both technical and mental aspects. They go hand in hand. When you feel technically sound, you’re mentally stable too.”
But beyond numbers and trophies, it was his leadership under pressure that stood out. From his fielding choices to composure in high-stakes moments, Gill showed a poise rare in debutant captains.
“What I’ve learned,” Gill said in conclusion, “is that we never give up.”
It was a mantra that Siraj embodied on the field and one that powered India to a famous victory — one that wasn’t just about skill, but resolve.
