In a nerve-racking finish to an unforgettable series, Mohammed Siraj delivered the knockout blow as India edged out England by just 6 runs on Day 5 of the fifth Test at The Oval. With the series on the line and England needing only a handful of runs, Siraj stepped up in style to take the final wicket of Gus Atkinson, securing a dramatic win and helping India level the five-match series 2-2.
Siraj, who was outstanding with the ball throughout England’s second innings, produced a near-perfect delivery that beat Atkinson's bat and shattered the stumps. The celebration that followed was just as electric as Siraj broke into his signature ‘Siu’ celebration, a move popularised by Cristiano Ronaldo, as the Indian team erupted in joy.
The wicket not only gave India a hard-fought win in a closely contested match but also marked a personal milestone for Siraj, who claimed a five-wicket haul in the innings. His fiery spell was the turning point in a game that kept swinging back and forth until the final moments.
India's win came after they were dismissed for 224 in their first innings and had to claw their way back with a spirited bowling effort. England looked within reach of victory on multiple occasions, but India's relentless pace attack, led by Siraj and supported by Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep, never let up.
Siraj’s passion, precision, and match-winning performance earned praise from teammates, pundits, and fans alike. His animated celebration was the perfect ending to a thrilling match and a reminder of his growing stature as one of India’s most dependable pacers in all formats.
IND Vs ENG, 5th Test: Chris Woakes Walks Out To Bat Wearing A Sling During Day 5 At The Oval; Video
In one of the most dramatic moments of the ongoing fifth Test between India and England at The Oval, Chris Woakes walked out to bat wearing a sling on his left arm during Day 5 of the match. The incident took place after Josh Tongue was bowled by Prasidh Krishna, leaving England nine wickets down and still short of the target.
Woakes, clearly in visible discomfort, came to the crease with his injured arm supported in a sling, an unusual and gritty sight in Test cricket. His entry highlighted England's determination to fight till the very end, despite his inability to contribute physically with the bat or ball. Cameras captured the surreal moment.
The injury occurred on Day 1, when Woakes landed awkwardly on his left shoulder while fielding. He was immediately taken off the field and later seen wearing a sling, fueling concerns of a suspected shoulder dislocation. Since then, he has played no further role in the match.
Despite being clearly unfit, Woakes’s decision to walk out was more symbolic than strategic, reflecting the team-first mentality that has often defined England's approach under the Ben Stokes–Brendon McCullum era. It also served as a gesture of resistance, as the team inched closer to a hard-fought finish in the five-match series.
