London, August 4, 2025: The India vs England Test series, a marquee event in the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship, concluded with a heart-stopping 2-2 draw at The Oval, marked by Mohammed Siraj’s match-defining five-wicket haul in a six-run victory for India. The five-match series, spanning June 20 to August 4 across Leeds, Birmingham, Lord’s, Manchester, and London, delivered high-octane cricket, with both teams trading blows in a contest defined by dramatic collapses, record-breaking performances, and resilience. Sampadak Express reports that the series, led by India’s new captain Shubman Gill and England’s Ben Stokes, showcased a blend of emerging stars and seasoned campaigners, leaving fans enthralled.
The fifth Test at The Oval delivered one of the closest finishes in Test history. On the final day, England, needing 35 runs with four wickets left, collapsed as Mohammed Siraj’s fiery five-wicket haul, including Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson, turned the tide in India's favour. Prasidh Krishna’s disciplined bowling supported Siraj, dismissing Jamie Overton. Despite Joe Root’s 105 and Harry Brook’s 111, India’s relentless pace attack prevailed, even as Chris Woakes, batting with a shoulder sling couldn’t salvage England’s chase, marking India’s closest-ever Test win.
A Series of Twists and Turns
The India vs England Test series began at Headingley, where England’s swing bowlers exploited overcast conditions to secure a convincing victory. India, under Gill’s captaincy, struggled against James Anderson’s late swing, collapsing to 127 in their first innings. England’s Joe Root anchored their reply with a century, setting a daunting target. Despite Yashasvi Jaiswal’s gritty 80, India fell short. The second Test at Edgbaston saw India bounce back spectacularly. Gill’s maiden double century (208) and Akash Deep’s ten-wicket haul powered a 336-run victory, leveling the series 1-1. Sampadak Express reports that this win marked India’s first-ever Test victory at Edgbaston, a historic milestone.
Lord’s Thriller and England’s Edge
The third Test at Lord’s was a rollercoaster, with England clinching a 22-run victory to lead 2-1. Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 61 off 181 balls nearly pulled off a miracle chase of 193, but Ben Stokes’ marathon bowling spell (3-48) and Jofra Archer’s pace tilted the scales. India’s batting frailties were exposed early, slumping to 82/7, but Jadeja’s defiance kept them in the hunt. England’s Jamie Smith broke Alec Stewart’s record with a 174-run knock, underlining his emergence as a key player. The match showcased the series’ intensity, with both teams refusing to yield, and highlighted the tactical battle between Stokes and Gill.
Manchester’s Marathon Draw
The fourth Test at Old Trafford saw India stage a remarkable fightback to secure a draw after trailing by over 300 runs. England’s Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett’s aggressive opening stand set the tone, but India’s response, led by Gill (754 runs in the series) and KL Rahul (532 runs), was monumental. Their historic partnership, the first by an Indian pair to score over 500 runs each in an away series since 1970-71, frustrated England’s bowlers. Sampadak Express reports that India’s 318/4 in 148 overs to save the Test was a testament to their resilience, with Stokes’ all-round heroics (a century and five wickets) nearly stealing the show.
Performances That Defined the Series
Shubman Gill emerged as India’s linchpin, amassing 754 runs, including a double century and a second-innings 161 at Edgbaston. His calm leadership and record-breaking aggregate surpassed Virat Kohli’s highest score by an Indian captain in Tests. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 2,000th Test run and KL Rahul’s consistency (1,000 runs against England) bolstered India’s batting. Mohammed Siraj’s 23 wickets, including the match-winning spell at The Oval, elevated his status as India’s pace spearhead, no longer playing second fiddle to Bumrah. For England, Joe Root’s 13th Player of the Match award and Ben Stokes’ 300-plus runs and 15 wickets echoed Andrew Flintoff’s 2005 Ashes heroics. Jamie Smith’s record-breaking 174 and Chris Woakes’ gritty effort despite injury highlighted England’s depth.
The India vs England Test series, carries a storied legacy since India’s first Test at Lord’s in 1932. The 2025 edition was poignant, marking India’s first series without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who retired from Tests in 2024. Under Gill’s leadership and Gautam Gambhir’s coaching, India adapted to England’s swinging conditions, a perennial challenge. The series’ 2-2 draw mirrored the 2021-22 contest, underscoring the rivalry’s competitiveness. England’s ‘Bazball’ approach, while aggressive, faltered against India’s disciplined bowling, particularly in the final Test, where strategic field placements and Siraj’s pace outwitted England’s lower order.
Marred by Challenges and Injuries
Injuries plagued both sides, with India losing Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, and Akash Deep during the series, testing their bench strength. England’s Shoaib Bashir struggled with a hand injury, and Chris Woakes played the final Test with a strapped arm, raising questions about cricket’s substitution rules. Selection debates, particularly England’s inclusion of Jacob Bethell, sparked criticism, with Stuart Broad noting his inexperience. India’s defensive team selections, prioritizing batting depth, drew scrutiny but paid off in Manchester’s draw. The series also highlighted the World Test Championship’s importance, with both teams earning crucial points.
The 2025 India vs England Test series will be remembered for its breathtaking moments and individual brilliance. From Gill’s record-breaking leadership to Siraj’s heroics, India proved their mettle in alien conditions. England’s Root, Stokes, and Smith matched them blow for blow, ensuring a fitting 2-2 draw. As both teams look to the 2025-27 WTC cycle, this series sets the stage for future battles, with young talents like Jaiswal and Smith signaling a bright future. The inaugural edition of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was a fitting testament to Test cricket’s enduring drama, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this historic rivalry.
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