New Delhi, Aug 4 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif labeled the match as “a significant victory for India”, even though the series concluded in a 2-2 stalemate. India achieved one of their most remarkable Test wins — a narrow six-run victory in the final Test against England at The Oval. Initially dismissed before the series, this Indian team displayed nerves of steel and a decisive bowling performance to level the series, showcasing what Kaif described as a triumph “achieved on the field — not on paper.”

“Firstly, I don’t believe many anticipated this Indian team’s success. They traveled to England without key players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R. Ashwin. With Shubman Gill as a new captain, doubts arose regarding his leadership. Some experts predicted a 3-1 or 4-1 loss. However, this Indian team proved that victories are secured on the field — not merely on paper,” Kaif stated in an interview with IANS.

With England needing just 35 runs and India requiring four wickets to clinch the series-levelling win on Day 5, the stage was set for an enthralling conclusion. The ominous clouds over The Oval enhanced the drama, amplified by a packed crowd’s every cheer, gasp, and moan. On the field, Mohammed Siraj stepped up, delivering a performance that Kaif suggested should make him “the ambassador of Test cricket.”

Siraj had dropped Harry Brook on Day 4 — a moment that could have haunted him. Instead, it ignited his determination. On Day 5, he returned with renewed energy and a mission to prove himself. He dismissed Jamie Smith early and then trapped Jamie Overton LBW with a nip-backer. Prasidh Krishna bowled out Josh Tongue, keeping India in contention. Then came the decisive moment: Siraj bowled a perfect yorker to topple Gus Atkinson’s off stump, securing a historic win for India, their narrowest in Test history.

“There are hardly any words to describe Siraj,” Kaif remarked. “He possesses passion, skill — swing, yorkers, wickets — but it’s his intensity and hunger that stand out. While there's much discussion about workload management these days — four overs here, five there — had Gill adhered to that, India might have lost this match.”

Siraj took the ball and persevered. On Day 5, with the old ball, he showcased his ability to swing it both ways. Dismissing Jamie Smith with a 75-over old ball was remarkable, and cleaning up Gus Atkinson with a yorker was pure Test-match drama.

India’s bowling lineup — spearheaded by Siraj (5/104) and Prasidh Krishna (4/126) — dismissed England’s last four wickets for just 28 runs. However, Kaif emphasized that this victory wouldn’t have been achievable without the contributions of India’s batters, notably Yashasvi Jaiswal, who excelled under challenging conditions. “Before I praised Siraj, I should’ve acknowledged Jaiswal,” Kaif admitted. “Without his runs, we would’ve had nothing to defend.”

His aggressive intent in the second innings was pivotal. He left balls outside off, attacked when necessary, and played a lengthy innings. This was the most difficult pitch of the series — the previous four were flat and batting-friendly. Here, bowlers had the upper hand.

Jaiswal proved he possesses the technique and temperament to thrive in tough conditions. He’s a performer in crucial matches. When the team needed him most in a must-win scenario, he came through.

Jaiswal’s composed 118 in the second innings enabled India to set a target of 374 — a challenging score that put pressure on England on a pitch with inconsistent bounce and sharp seam movement. Washington Sundar also played a vital lower-order innings, reflecting a tactical strategy devised by the team’s head coach. “Gautam Gambhir deserves significant credit,” Kaif stated. “He had a clear vision: to ensure batting depth until No. 8.”

Thanks to this strategy, India won two Test matches. At Edgbaston, Jadeja contributed significantly down the order. In this match, Washington Sundar added a crucial 50 at No. 9.

Jaiswal also played a pivotal role. Thus, the concept of batting deep proved effective. Initially, there were doubts, but Gautam validated that decision comprehensively.

Gambhir’s strategy was only as effective as the captain who executed it. With Shubman Gill, India appears to have discovered not just a talented batsman but a leader with composure and evolving maturity. “Gill is rapidly learning as a captain,” Kaif observed. “His calmness during the final Test, when India trailed 2-1 and needed to win to equal the series, was impressive.”

Earlier in the series — perhaps during the second Test — he had a disagreement with Crawley. However, he quickly realized that he is a more effective captain in a tranquil environment.

He trusted his instincts, stating, ‘If I believe someone should bowl a lengthy spell, I’ll support that instinct.’ And that’s exactly what he did. His batting was solid as well. I’m confident he will continue to grow as a captain moving forward.”

“Finishing the series 2-2 might seem like a mere statistic, but I assert this was a significant victory for India — particularly due to the manner in which they played the final Test match.”