'Unbelievable': Cricket world erupts over 'courageous' scenes in historic Test drama
The win was the narrowest in India's Test cricket history and saw one of the most gripping series of recent memory finish at 2-2. England began a drizzly final morning of an enthralling five-Test series needing just 35 wins to clinch a 3-1 series victory with four wickets in hand, but Siraj led the way for India as the hosts were denied in extraordinary fashion.
Siraj was on fire on the final day, taking the wickets of Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton, before bowling Gus Atkinson to complete a five-wicket-haul and completely a scarcely believable win. When Prasidh Krishna sent Josh Tongue packing without troubling the scorers, it saw Woakes walk out to the crease in one of the bravest and more remarkable scenes that will live long in the memory.
Woakes was wearing a sling tucked underneath his jumper after dislocating his shoulder while fielding during the Test match, but showed his dedication to the England cause by walking out to face the fired-up India attack one-handed. England still needed 17 runs to complete victory and Gus Atkinson did everything he could to protect his teammate by keeping him off strike.
Atkinson belted Siraj for six to see England close in on their victory target. But with an epic Test series win in England's sight, the tail-ender was undone by a superb yorker from Siraj that clattered into the stumps and sealed India's historic win, sparking wild scenes at The Oval and leaving cricket fans in awe of one of the great Test cricket spectacles.
"With 60, 70-odd runs to win with seven wickets in hand you don't get to see many games like this," India captain Shubman Gill said after his side's against-the-odds victory. "Very happy to get this over the line, a little bit of luck for us."
Cricket world in awe of courageous Chris Woakes display
It was fitting that Siraj was the hero for India with his five-wicket haul in the final innings after he squandered a chance to remove England centurion Harry Brook for 19 on day four, in an error that proved very costly. But as incredible as Siraj's heroics were on the final day, it was the sight of Woakes coming out to bat in a sling that left an indelible mark on viewers and saw the England quick's courage celebrated around the cricket world.
Respect For my Man Chris Woakes ❤️🫶#ENGvIND #ENGvsIND #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/EB2eYGtqFl
— Kannada 💛❤️ Cityzen 💙 (@Kavirajamarga21) August 4, 2025
This Test had it all ❤️ pressure, passion, pain, and pride!🙏M Siraj mind-blowing 5-wicket spell turned the game🔥Woakes showed unreal courage, batting with a broken shoulder for the team.🫡India held on for a 6-run win. Test cricket wins again! 🏆#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/Wi4mAoJnJX
— Shahrooz Ahmad (@shahroozahmadd) August 4, 2025
England might have lost the match today, But Chris Woakes Won All the Hearts out there ❤️💯🛐#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/U4r6I2tbz3
— Jota Lives On 🕊️❤️ (@BasidIkbal) August 4, 2025
Incredible seeing Woakes come out to bat with a dislocated shoulder. Six-run win India's narrowest ever victory. What a series! #ENGvIND
— Matthew Burgess (@1matthewburgess) August 4, 2025
Heroic from Woakes. Iconic from Siraj. A series that truly had everything I think 2 a piece is about right. Pleasurable viewing. #ENGvIND
— ktrimpie (@ktrimpie) August 4, 2025
Things I wasn't expecting to see on a cricket field: Woakes with his arm in a sling basically acting as a batting runner. Unbelievable stuff #ENGvIND
— Davis "LIONS" Harrigan (Digi) 🦁 (@DeadlineDavis) August 4, 2025
Unbreakable spirit. All heart ❤️Chris Woakes walks out to bat for England 🙌 #WTC27 #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/o1qeqk37PJ
— Prikshit Natu (@PrikshitNatu29) August 4, 2025
Ben Stokes proud of England despite heartbreaking loss
More than 7000 runs were scored in the five Tests, but when England needed fewer than 50 for the final five wickets, they faltered. The last time that happened to them in a fourth innings while chasing victory was in 1902, against Australia at Old Trafford.
But England captain Ben Stokes - who was ruled out of the fifth Test with injury after being his side's most effective bowler of the series - praised his side's injury-ravaged pace attack. England were also deprived of Jofra Archer to go with Woakes' dislocated shoulder and Stokes said he was proud to run India so close in the end.
"When one of your bowlers goes down so early in the game, the role of the other seamers changes," the England skipper said. "Even in the second innings, the heart and desire they showed was amazing. There were many what-ifs in the last five days, makes the game great, but all (coach) Brendon (McCullum) and I asked was to give it everything. (Josh) Tongue, (Gus) Atkinson and (Jamie) Overton showed it."
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Stokes had managed to avoid speaking about the upcoming Ashes series, but admitted afterwards that he can't wait to lead a rejuvenated England side against the Aussies later this year. "The way in which we've been able to perform throughout the series, I'm looking forward to getting to Australia and doing what we want to go out there and do."
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