IND vs ENG 5th Test 2025: India’s Historic Comeback Levels Series 2–2
IND vs ENG 5th Test 2025: India’s Unforgettable Comeback at Old Trafford
The IND vs ENG 5th Test 2025 was not just the final game of a fiercely competitive five-match Test series—it was a battle for pride, legacy, and redemption.
England, having secured a 2–1 lead with dominant performances at Lord’s and Headingley, came into the Old Trafford Test brimming with confidence. The hosts were determined
to clinch a rare series victory over India at home and close the chapter on a high. On the other hand, India walked into Manchester with immense pressure and a wounded reputation,
still reeling from missed opportunities earlier in the series.
From Day 1, the stakes were palpable. India needed nothing less than a miracle to avoid a series defeat. With key players out due to injuries and fatigue setting in after a
grueling summer, the odds were stacked heavily against them. However, what unfolded at Old Trafford over the next five days was a cricketing masterclass—a story of grit,
resilience, and tactical brilliance.
Despite a huge first-innings deficit, the Indian team regrouped with a never-say-die attitude. Spearheaded by future captain Shubman Gill, veterans like Ravindra Jadeja,
and young stars like Washington Sundar, the visitors pulled off one of the most unforgettable comebacks in Test cricket history. As the final day ended in a hard-fought draw,
the IND vs ENG 5th Test 2025 became symbolic of India’s fighting spirit and strategic maturity under pressure.
The result not only denied England a home series win but also leveled the series 2–2, marking a fitting end to a series that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
This epic contest at Old Trafford will be remembered as one of the most iconic matches in the IND vs ENG rivalry, forever etched in the annals of
Test cricket history.
Day 1 – IND vs ENG 5th Test 2025 Begins with Swing & Struggle
The much-anticipated IND vs ENG 5th Test 2025 kicked off at The Oval, with England winning the toss under cloudy skies and opting to bowl first — a move that paid off almost immediately. The pitch offered early movement, and the combination of Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue exploited the conditions with discipline and aggression.
India’s openers found it hard to settle. Yashasvi Jaiswal, after a promising series, was dismissed cheaply edging behind. Shubman Gill was run out following a miscommunication, adding to India’s early troubles. Sai Sudharsan, playing in only his second Test, also failed to convert his start, leaving India reeling at 70/4 before lunch.
The middle order failed to resist the pressure. While KL Rahul showed brief resistance, it was Karun Nair who became the backbone of the innings. Recalled after nearly five years out of the side, Nair displayed grit and maturity, surviving hostile spells and counterattacking when possible. He struck 7 boundaries in a composed knock of 57 not out, anchoring the innings.
He found valuable support in Washington Sundar, who played watchfully, ensuring India didn’t collapse completely. The pair added a crucial 50-run stand for the sixth wicket, steadying India after the damage.
By stumps, India reached 204/6, with Karun Nair still unbeaten. England’s pacers had dominated most of the day, but India’s lower middle order showed character to keep the match alive. The balance slightly tilted in England’s favour, but the fight was far from over.
Day 2 – England Respond Strongly in IND vs ENG 5th Test 2025
India resumed Day 2 at 204/6 but could only add 20 more runs, folding for 224. England’s bowlers wrapped up the tail quickly, with Josh Tongue and Chris Woakes doing the damage early in the morning.
In reply, England got off to a flying start. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett stitched a fluent 92-run opening stand, capitalizing on ideal batting conditions and putting the Indian bowlers under pressure.
However, India struck back post-lunch. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bowled fiery spells, sharing four wickets each to trigger a mini-collapse. From 110/0, England were bowled out for 247, gaining a slender 23-run lead.
The match remained finely balanced, with both sides showing strengths and flaws. As Day 2 ended, the IND vs ENG 5th Test 2025 was set up for a gripping second half.
Day 3 – IND vs ENG 5th Test 2025 Sets Up a Final Showdown
Day 3 saw England take control early in their second innings. After gaining a 23-run lead, they batted positively with Zak Crawley scoring a fluent 78 and Jonny Bairstow adding a quick 40. England maintained an aggressive tempo before declaring at 181/3, setting India a daunting target of 374 runs on a pitch beginning to show wear.
India’s chase began cautiously. While they lost Sai Sudharsan early, Yashasvi Jaiswal and nightwatchman Akash Deep survived a tricky evening session, guiding India to 55/1 at stumps.
With two full days left and all results still possible, the IND vs ENG 5th Test 2025 was perfectly poised for a dramatic finish.
Day 4 – India’s Grit Shines in IND vs ENG 5th Test 2025
The fourth day’s play started with England’s batsmen, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, at the crease. Prasidh Krishna dismissed Duckett for 54 runs, while Mohammed Siraj got rid of Pope for 27 runs.
However, after these dismissals, Joe Root and Harry Brook batted exceptionally well, bringing England closer to victory. Both players scored centuries.
Early in the day, a crucial mistake by Mohammed Siraj proved costly for the Indian team. Harry Brook hit a pull shot off a Prasidh Krishna delivery. Siraj caught it, but his foot touched the boundary line, resulting in 6 runs for England instead of a wicket. Brook was batting on 19 at the time and capitalized fully on this lifeline.
At the end of the fourth day, England had scored 339 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. They needed 35 more runs to win, while India needed 4 wickets.
Following the brilliant centuries by Root and Brook, the Indian team made a comeback as England lost wickets quickly after the tea break.
After both Root and Brook were dismissed, India’s hopes were rekindled, but rain and bad light forced an early end to the day’s play.
IND vs ENG 5th Test 2025 – Final Day Highlights Minute-by-Minute Montage
Chris Woakes bravely batted despite a dislocated shoulder, but England fell short by just six runs. Siraj sealed the game with a perfect yorker to dismiss Atkinson, delivering a historic win for India.
Result & Key Highlights
- Result: India won by just 6 runs — their narrowest Test victory ever.
- Series: Drawn 2–2
- Player of the Match: Mohammed Siraj (5-wicket haul in 2nd innings)
- Prasidh Krishna: Claimed 8 wickets across the match, a surprise hero for India.
- Washington Sundar: Scored a quickfire 53 off 46 balls in the second innings, helping India set a target of 374.
Match Summary Table
| Innings | Score | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| India (1st) | 224 | Karun Nair 57 |
| India (2nd) | 396 | Yashasvi Jaiswal 118, Josh Tongue 5/125 |
| England (1st) | 247 | Crawley 64, Brook 53 |
| England (2nd – chase) | 367 all out | Brook 111, Root 105; Siraj 5/104, Prasidh 4/126 |
| Result | – | India won by 6 runs |
| Series Finale | – | Series drawn 2–2 |
| POTM | – | Mohammed Siraj (5‑wicket spell) |
Tactical Takeaways from IND vs ENG 5th Test 2025
- India’s middle-order depth saved the game under intense pressure.
- Shubman Gill’s leadership and consistency proved crucial.
- England’s dropped chances in the final innings turned the match.
- Jadeja and Sundar have solidified their roles as elite Test all-rounders.
Impact on Indian Cricket
The IND vs ENG 5th Test 2025 marked a generational shift for Indian Test cricket. With key players injured and a 2–1 series deficit, the team showed extraordinary character. The rise of Shubman Gill as captain and the maturity of Sundar, Rahul, and Jadeja signal a promising future in red-ball cricket.
