India beat England by 6 runs in most dramatic finish, Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy ends in 2-2 draw

Mohammed Siraj celebrates a wicket (BCCI Photo)

India ended the gruelling Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on a positive note, defeating England by 6 runs in the final Test at Oval. The outcome saw the five-match series end with a 2-2 scoreline, with the fourth Test at Old Trafford ending in a draw. Interestingly, both of India's win came when Jasprit Bumrah, team's premier pacer, was not part of the XI.

In his absence, Mohammed Siraj carried the bulk of load, playing a pivotal role in helping his team equalise the series. Siraj registered a five-wicket haul in the second innings as England folded for 367/10 while chasing 374. Siraj found great support from Prasidh Krishna, who managed four wickets in the innings. Both pacers had registered four wickets each in the first essay.

Meanwhile, the day began with England requiring 35 runs and India needing four wickets to win. Siraj provided a strong start by getting rid of Jamie Smith caught-behind for 2. He injected another blow in the next over, this time trapping Jamie Overton LBW for 9.

Krishna then kept it full and straight, which was enough to castle Josh Tongue for 0. The dismissal forced Chris Woakes to walk out with a sling on his arm, who was grimacing throughout his stay in the middle. Siraj hammered the final nail in the coffin and castled Atkinson for 17.

The outcome was a result of combined effort with both batters and bowlers making equal impact whenever required. Harry Brook and Joe Root had almost swept the match for England with a gigantic 195-run stand. Both batters scored their respective tons but the fates turned once when Brook was dismissed 111. Root, on the other hand, managed 105.

India piled 396 in the second innings, with nightwatchman Akash Deep and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal laying the foundation. Akash Deep showed his mettle with an invaluable contribution, while Jaiswal slammed 118. The effort by the duo ensured India maintain their grip in the contest, which was further solidified by vital contributions from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar as both all-rounders, who helped India save the series at Old Trafford, smashed half-centuries each.

If we look at the first essay, India, who were invited to bat first, scored 224. Karun Nair then top-scored with 57. England despite having a batter less managed to take a slender lead before getting folded for 247.