India’s long cricketing tour of England concluded in a gripping stalemate. A 2-2 verdict, following Shubman Gill’s men snatching a six-run triumph against the host at the Oval on Monday (August 4, 2025), was an apt reflection of a well-contested Test series that featured five matches. Australia has been conquered a few times in its backyard, but for India, England at home remains a tough opponent. Only thrice has India seized a Test series under the whimsical English skies, with the last series victory coming in 2007. The odds were stacked high too as this was a visiting unit that had lost Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and R. Ashwin to retirements. Gill’s men, however, fought hard. In an age in which there are whispers about implementing four-day Tests, this series was a reflection of all that is good with cricket’s traditional format as every contest spilled onto the fifth day. England’s Bazball style did upset India’s best laid plans at times and yet the bowlers found ways to strike back. England was led well by the rousing manner of all-rounder Ben Stokes till he skipped the last Test due to injury. And in Joe Root, England has a batter for the ages, and if he stays fit, Sachin Tendulkar’s record Test aggregate of 15,921 runs may not remain immune.
In the distant past, a tour of England featured additional warm-up games against the Counties. The length of the tour helped players rest and regain form. Modern-day players have no such luxuries as a cramped year-long schedule that packs in T20s such as the Indian Premier League, means that every overseas trip becomes a rushed affair. That Jasprit Bumrah could only play three Tests and even Stokes had to skip one at the end, is a reflection of how cricketers have no time to pause and remain injury prone. Seen in that light, Mohammed Siraj turning out for five Tests and bowling with verve and skill, is a huge testament of his fitness. India has much to cherish as Gill amassed 754 runs, and K.L. Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal excelled with the bat. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar offered depth in the batting order, even if the tail below wilted. The injury to Rishabh Pant was unfortunate but he is bound to return in a while. India missed Mohammed Shami and much hinged on the fiery Siraj, who with 23 wickets, stepped up even as his fellow seamers lost their radar at times. A team in transition is bound to have teething issues. However, through their rugged fight, these players offer hope for better days ahead.
Published – August 05, 2025 12:10 am IST