India Secures Dramatic Victory in Fifth Test to Tie Series as Chris Woakes Bats with a Sling

In a nail-biting finish to the fifth and final Test at the Oval, India clinched a narrow six-run victory over England, securing a 2-2 draw in the series. The match, which saw England's Chris Woakes bat with his left arm in a sling after dislocating his shoulder on day one, was a tale of resilience, determination, and extraordinary cricket.

A Thrilling Final Day

The final day of the Test began with England needing 35 runs to win, with the rain-affected conditions adding to the tension. After a brief reprieve, India's Mohammed Siraj emerged as the hero of the match, taking a crucial five-wicket haul. His brilliance was complemented by Prasidh Krishna, who dismissed Josh Tongue for a duck, setting the stage for a dramatic climax.

With 17 runs still needed and a dislocated shoulder, Chris Woakes made a courageous decision to take the field, batting with his arm in a sling. His bravery was lauded by former England fast bowler Steve Harmison, who described Woakes as putting his career on the line to fight for his team.

A Series of High Drama

The series itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams trading blows in each of the five Tests. England's Ben Stokes, who was injured during the series, reflected on the experience as