Team India produced a memorable performance to script a thrilling victory against England in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, levelling the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 at 2-2. Mohammed Siraj emerged as the star of the show with a sensational match-winning display, sealing India’s fightback in one of the most dramatic series in recent memory.
India draw series with thrilling win in the Oval Test
After England dominated the early stages of the series, India displayed remarkable resilience to bounce back and level the contest. Defending just 35 runs on a tense final day, the visitors relied on a collective team effort, but it was Siraj’s fiery spells that turned the tide. His ability to strike at crucial intervals kept England under constant pressure and ensured India walked away from London with a hard-fought win to share the series honours.
Mohammed Siraj reflects after India’s nerve-cracking victory
After the Match, Siraj opened up on the emotions and mindset behind his performance. He spoke about how the team fought hard from Day 1 and how his simple plan of hitting consistent lines and building pressure brought him success without over-complicating things. Siraj revealed that on the morning of the final day, he boosted his confidence by setting a “I can do it” wallpaper on his phone, a small but powerful act of self-belief.
“To be honest, it feels amazing. From Day 1 everyone fought hard and the result is there to see. Very happy. The plan was to keep it simple and hit a consistent spot. Not try too much and if I can get wickets from there it’s a bonus and build pressure. When I woke up today I had the belief that I could do it, I had the belief system. I took a photo from Google which read I can do it and put it as my wallpaper,” said Siraj in the post-match presentation.
He admitted his regret over dropping Harry Brook’s catch, acknowledging it could have ended the match earlier, but also showed humility by crediting Brook’s attacking batting. Reflecting on the heartbreak of India’s loss at Lord’s, Siraj described how it only strengthened their determination to fight back. He also shared a deeply emotional moment where Ravindra Jadeja reminded him to play with a straight bat and think of his late father, whose sacrifices had shaped his journey, giving Siraj extra motivation to deliver a match-winning performance for India.
“If I had taken that (Brook) catch properly probably we may not have had to come today. It was a game-changing moment. But Brook played really well, hats off to him for playing attacking cricket. It was a heart-breaking moment (The Lord’s loss). He (Jadeja) was just telling me to play with a straight bat and middle the ball. He told me to remember my Father and the hardwork he put in to get me here,” added Siraj.
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Siraj – a hero behind India’s memorable win
Notably, Siraj picked up 4 wickets in the first innings and followed it up with a breathtaking five-wicket haul in the second. His relentless consistency and mental toughness stood out as he dismantled England’s batting order at The Oval.
The win not only helped India level the series but also established Siraj as one of the finest match-winners in world cricket. With his emotional words and inspirational performance, he proved that belief, determination, and perseverance can script history.