India completed one of their greatest Test victories on Sunday, defeating England by just six runs in a tense finish at The Oval to square the five-match series 2-2.

Mohammed Siraj came out as the hero, taking five wickets in the final innings, including the last scalp of Gus Atkinson to seal the result inside the first hour of day five.

England, chasing 374, fell just short with 367 all out — despite centuries from Joe Root (105) and Harry Brook (111).

India’s resilience was at the heart of the win. After being bowled out for 224 in the first innings, with Gus Atkinson claiming 5 for 33, the visitors clawed back through a strong second-innings performance.

Yashasvi Jaiswal struck a composed 118 while Akash Deep surprised with a crucial 66. Lower-order runs from Ravindra Jadeja (53) and Washington Sundar (53) helped India set a target that ultimately proved just enough.

England had looked well-placed at 301 for 3, with Root and Brook leading a massive stand. But Siraj’s reverse swing and Prasidh Krishna’s breakthroughs changed the tone.

Krishna picked up four wickets, including the key dismissals of Duckett and Root. England lost their last seven wickets for just 66 runs.

India’s captain Shubman Gill praised the fight shown by his team, especially in the absence of senior figures like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. KL Rahul, who featured in both innings, called the win one of the most meaningful of his career.