Siraj leads India to thrilling six-run win as England fall short in Oval epic

Mohammed Siraj produced a stunning spell of fast bowling as India edged England by six runs in a dramatic finale to the fifth Test at The Oval on Monday, levelling the series 2-2.

England, resuming on 339-6 and needing just 35 more runs, looked set for a record-breaking chase of 374. But under gloomy skies, Siraj struck early and decisively, taking 3 for 9 in the morning session to finish with 5 for 104, sparking wild celebrations from the Indian team and their supporters.

“It just shows that both teams came with their ‘A’ game and I am very happy to get over the line in this one,” said India captain Shubman Gill, who finished the series with 754 runs.

Siraj, named player of the match, ended the series with 23 wickets. “When I woke up I believed I could do it,” said the 31-year-old pacer.

England had looked in control on Sunday thanks to centuries from Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105), but Brook’s dismissal triggered a collapse.

“We’re bitterly disappointed,” admitted England captain Ben Stokes. “But I’m incredibly proud of my team.”

India’s narrowest ever Test win by runs capped off one of the most fiercely contested series in recent memory.

(Source: AFP)