Former South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs stirred the cricketing world with a pointed jab at International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah following India’s dramatic six-run victory over England in the fifth Test at The Oval. The match, part of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, ended in a 2-2 series draw, showcasing the gripping intensity of five-day Test cricket. Gibbs’ comment reignited debates about the ICC’s proposed four-day Test format, with the former batter emphasizing the unique drama that unfolded over five days in London.
A Test match for the ages
The fifth Test at The Oval was a gripping contest that showcased the very essence of Test cricket. Put in to bat, India were bowled out for 224 in 69.4 overs, with Karun Nair scoring a fighting 57. Gus Atkinson starred for England with 5/33. England replied with 247, gaining a slender 23-run lead.
India responded strongly in their second innings, posting 396, powered by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s superb 118, a crucial 66 from nightwatchman Akash Deep, and fifties from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Josh Tongue picked 5/125, leaving England a target of 374.
England’s chase was fueled by brilliant centuries from Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105), who shared a 143-run stand. At 332/4, victory looked within reach, but Mohammed Siraj turned the game around. On the final morning, with England needing 35, Siraj dismissed Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton, while Prasidh Krishna removed Tongue.
With seven runs required, Chris Woakes battled one-handed alongside Atkinson, but Siraj’s scorching yorker bowled Atkinson for 367, sealing a thrilling six-run win for India. Siraj’s 5/104 earned him the Player of the Match award.
Also READ: Michael Vaughan picks England-India combined XI for Anderson-Tendulkar series 2025
Herschelle Gibbs’ dig at Jay Shah and the four-day Test debate
Gibbs, known for his outspoken views, took to social media to express his thoughts on the match and its implications for Test cricket’s future. He took a direct shot at Shah and the ICC’s discussions to shorten Test matches to ease scheduling pressures. Notably, the ICC has been exploring four-day Tests to accommodate a crowded cricket calendar, with trials conducted in matches like South Africa vs. Zimbabwe (2017) and England vs. Ireland (2019).
“You guys wanted test cricket to be 4 days,” tweeted Gibbs.
You guys wanted test cricket to be 4 days 😂😂 https://t.co/YsAcG45VXL
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) August 4, 2025