Across England’s Test series against India, we witnessed a spectacular run chase at Headingley, Shubman Gill’s batting masterclass at Edgbaston, THAT winning moment at Lord’s, handshake-gate at Old Trafford and the most dramatic of finishes at the Kia Oval.
This series will go down as one of the best and most memorable of recent times. A thrilling advertisement for Test cricket – high‑stakes drama, character, and elite performances, shared between two evenly matched sides.
It was disappointing to draw the series after being in such a good position to win it, but if nothing else, it reminded us of one thing: there is nothing like Test cricket.
Bazball strikes again at Headingley
The first Test feels like a lifetime ago, but what a way to kick off the series. Back at the scene of that 2019 miracle, England delivered another Headingley heist – chasing down 378 in style to notch one of the finest wins of the Bazball era.
Ben Duckett stole the show with a blistering 149, setting the tone for a chase that even outdid Stokesy’s Ashes epic by 12 runs. Only Bradman’s 1948 Invincibles have hunted down more at this ground – decent company to be in.
There were wobbles (of course there were). Stokes fell to a rogue reverse sweep with the finish line still in sight, but Joe Root and Jamie Smith kept their cool. The latter sealed the deal by launching Jadeja into the stands, leaving 14 overs in the bank and Headingley in raptures.
India level at Edgbaston
After the Headingley heroics, it was India’s turn to shine – and shine they did. England were handed a humbling 336-run defeat as the visitors claimed their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston, levelling the series in style.
Bazball’s never been about playing it safe, and chasing 608 was always going to take something extraordinary. This time, the miracle didn’t come off — but not for lack of trying.
Shubman Gill was unstoppable with the bat (269 & 161), while India’s bowlers were ruthless on Day 5. Akash Deep’s fiery spell did the early damage, and despite Smith’s fighting fifty and a few meaty blows, England couldn’t hold on.
Lord Stokes (and Lord’s) deliver another classic
What. A. Test. This series just kept delivering, and at the Home of Cricket, we got a finish for the ages.
Six years to the day since he helped England become world champions, Ben Stokes once again dragged his team over the line — this time with a tired body and about ten gallons of pure willpower. Two monster spells with the ball showed once again why he’s built differently.
But this wasn’t a one-man show. Shoaib Bashir, with a dodgy finger, cool as you like, cleaned up the final wicket of Siraj to seal the tightest-ever Test win at Lord’s. Cue limbs. Cue chaos.
India didn’t go quietly — Ravindra Jadeja nearly pulled off something special, but it just wasn’t to be. Not on Stokesy’s day. Not on July 14th. Not at Lord’s. Series 2-1. Two Tests to go.
Handshake-gate at Old Trafford
India held firm on the final day of the fourth Test to force a draw, keeping the five-match series alive with one game remaining. England, leading 2-1 at the time, were left frustrated by their opponents as the tension threatened to boil over.
Shubman Gill starred with a composed 103, marking his fourth century of a stellar series. He was supported by unbeaten centuries from Washington Sundar (101*) and Ravindra Jadeja (107*).
The day ended with a touch of controversy when England captain Ben Stokes offered a draw during the final session, with India leading by 71 and only four wickets down. India declined, allowing Jadeja and Washington to reach personal milestones while part-timer Harry Brook bowled ‘loosely’. It was a decision that appeared to baffle England’s players.
All roads lead to London
India clinched a thrilling six-run win over England in the fifth and final Test at the Kia Oval, levelling the series 2-2 after six weeks of gripping cricket. England fell agonisingly short in their chase of 374, bowled out for 367, with Mohammed Siraj sealing the result by bowling Gus Atkinson.
The game’s dramatic finale saw Chris Woakes, with a dislocated shoulder that he sustained earlier in the match, come out to bat at number eleven. Although he didn’t face a ball, with Atkinson taking all of the strike, it was an incredible show of bravery from the England fan-favourite.
England looked on course for victory after a superb 195-run partnership between Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105), which brought them to 301-3, only to crumble to 339-6 by the end of day four. Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton fought hard before rain ended play prematurely, setting up a nail-biting finish on the final morning.
The last day delivered the tension everyone expected. Overton struck the first two deliveries for boundaries, reducing the target to 27, but Siraj quickly removed both Smith and Overton, while Prasidh Krishna dismissed Josh Tongue to bring Woakes to the crease. Atkinson reduced the target to 11 with a six, but Siraj returned to bowl him out, sparking celebrations from the Indian players and fans, capping off a fiercely contested and unforgettable Test series.
Up next for England
Attention now turns to white-ball cricket, with South Africa touring England for a three-match ODI series in September, which will be immediately followed by a three T20Is across Cardiff, Manchester, and Nottingham. Immediately after, England will head to Ireland for a three T20Is in Dublin.
Buy tickets for England’s upcoming games at Sophia Gardens & Southampton.
Harry Brook’s side then travel to New Zealand for a white-ball showdown against the Kiwis, before the focus reverts back to Test cricket and, more specifically, The Ashes. The five‑Test series takes England across iconic cities including Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and the Sydney.
