India and England are playing Test cricket and runs and wickets are shown but emotions, passion, history are also shown whenever the game is in progress. The same situation was observed in the fifth and final match of the fifth Test-match of India versus England when Mohammad Siraj with his killer bowling provided India a win by a narrow margin of 6 runs and made the match come to the boiling point. This win made the series between the two- 2 draw with Anderson- Tendulkar trophy but this series would go and stay in the books of cricketing fans.

Brief summary of the match

• Venue: Oval, London
• Day: Day 5
• India’s score: 2nd innings – 210 runs
• England’s target: 231 runs
• England’s score: 224 runs (all out)
• India’s win: by 6 runs
• Player of the Match: Mohammed Siraj (5 wickets)

A view: Fifth day morning and nervous atmosphere

The start of the fifth day was full of excitement. England needed 83 runs to win, while India needed only 5 wickets. Fans’ hearts were racing. Millions of people were waiting for the live score on social media. Every over of the match had become like a scene from a thriller film.

Siraj’s tsunami: A bowler who was left alone but stood firm

Mohammed Siraj may not have got the star status like Jasprit Bumrah or Shami, but he created history with his performance in this Test. With the help of strong wind, pitch and his passion, Siraj broke the back of England by taking five wickets.

His wickets:

• Joe Root – bowled for 11 runs
• Ben Stokes – LBW on a full length ball
• Bairstow – caught on a short ball
• Woakes – bowled on a swinging yorker
• James Anderson – last wicket, and India’s victory

When Anderson was out, every player in the dressing room jumped, ran on the field and the whole country celebrated.

A historic victory: Difference of just 6 runs, but pride thousand times

This victory of India may look small on the scoreboard, but it is big in cricket history. Such close-finish victories are rare on English soil. The last time India defeated England in a Test by such a close margin was two decades ago.

Shadow of Virat Kohli’s captaincy

Now that the regular team captain is Rohit Sharma, but Kohli is still the team captain in the field, it is evident that his method of field entries, motivating the players and the tactics were very much evident in this game. Kohli made optimum use of his bowlers, in particular getting the ball to Siraj at the right time.

The wicket-keeping and the bravery of Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant was unable to do much with the bat in this game but was very good behind the wickets and in the gully. He constantly motivated the bowlers from the back of the field, and many times brought life to the fielding.

Rohit Sharma’s captaincy and strategy

Rohit Sharma showed calm but effective leadership throughout this Test. He made excellent use of fielding changes, bowler rotation and DRS. This victory will further strengthen his confidence.

Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy: Beginning of a new tradition

This was the first time this Test series was called Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar -both are legends of the countries. That the series itself stopped at 2-2, testifies about the quality of the rivalry which was hard and respectful between the two sides.

SirajStorm and #INDvsENG started trending on social media.

Millions of people praised Siraj and saluted India’s fighting spirit.

Many former cricketers called it the most exciting Test finish of the 21st century.

Meaning of this victory

Power on the road to the Eyes on the World Test Championship (WTC): India also had a massive gain in the World Test Championship points with this victory.

Increase in morale: This would increase the morale of a team as they have defeated a strong opposition on their home ground.

Trust of youth players: This win is a landmark of such young players as Siraj, Jadeja, Gill.

What do the statistics say?

• This was Siraj’s fourth 5-wicket haul
• India’s third closest Test win in England
• England lost so close while chasing a target of less than 230 for the first time

Conclusion:

This was not just a 6-run victory. It was a triumph of Indian cricket.It was a triumph of Indian cricket. It was a tale of romance that you can see in the eyes of the teams who carry that ball on the field, in the hearts of the fans in the stand and in the chest of every Indian. Mohammed Siraj is of humble background, and he has demonstrated that his story is evidence that nothing is too big when hard work and dedication combine.This Test match, this series and this victory—will always be remembered.