Mohammed Siraj lit up Day 5 of the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval, delivering a spellbinding five-wicket haul that helped India seal one of their most iconic Test wins. With Prasidh Krishna also striking with four wickets, the visitors pulled off a dramatic comeback to level the series 2-2, a result that could prove vital in the larger context of the World Test Championship.
The win not only denied England a 3-1 series victory on home soil but also dealt a blow to their WTC ambitions. For India, it was a huge morale boost and a timely surge up the standings.
Siraj’s Spell Seals a Comeback for the Ages
Mohammed Siraj’s relentless pace and precision dismantled England’s middle order, flipping the script on a match that was hanging in the balance. With Krishna providing crucial breakthroughs, India closed out the series on a high, showing why they remain a force in world cricket. It was a gritty performance that will be remembered for years.
WTC Table Shifts, India Climb, England Slip
India’s Oval triumph sees them rise to third in the WTC 2025–27 points table with 28 points and a 46.67% PCT. England, with the same number of wins (2) from five matches, now trails closely with 26 points and a 43.33% PCT. Australia holds a commanding lead, winning all three of their matches so far.
Updated Standings:
- Australia – 36 pts (100% PCT)
- Sri Lanka – 16 pts (66.67% PCT)
- India – 28 pts (46.67% PCT)
- England – 26 pts (43.33% PCT)
- Bangladesh – 4 pts (16.67% PCT)
- West Indies – 0 pts (0% PCT)
What’s Next: India Eye Home Advantage, England Brace for Ashes
India will host West Indies for a two-Test series beginning 2 October, followed by two more Tests against South Africa starting 14 November. England now turn their attention to a tough Ashes tour of Australia — five matches starting 21 November that could define their WTC fate.
The Oval win wasn’t just a statement — it reshaped the WTC landscape.
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Karan Singh Rathod is a dedicated sports journalist known for his sharp attention to detail and flair for storytelling. With over a year of experience in writing and editorial work, he blends thorough research with compelling narratives to deliver engaging sports content. A passionate follower of football and cricket, he starts his mornings with a newspaper to stay updated with sports, fashion, and current affairs. Outside of journalism, Karan enjoys traveling and discovering new destinations.
