India secured a thrilling five-run victory against England at the Oval, leveling the five-match Test series 2-2 in a dramatic finale. Mohammed Siraj emerged as the star, dismantling England’s batting order with a sensational spell, claiming three wickets for just nine runs on the final morning to complete a five-wicket haul with figures of 5/104.
Needing only 35 runs with four wickets in hand on the last day, England appeared to be in control. However, the pressure told, and Siraj’s fiery bowling turned the game in India’s favor. Despite the high-stakes finish, Karun Nair revealed in an interview with ESPNcricinfo that the Indian team kept their celebrations modest, opting instead to visit the England dressing room after the match.
According to Nair, both sides acknowledged the quality of cricket throughout the series. England head coach Brendon McCullum even described it as the greatest Test series in recent memory. Nair admitted that while players didn’t realize its significance during the matches, reflecting on the key moments made them appreciate the achievement.
For Nair personally, the tour was mixed. Returning to the Indian Test squad after eight years, he struggled for consistency despite getting promising starts. Dropped for the fourth Test, he was recalled in the fifth due to Rishabh Pant’s injury and played a vital 57-run knock in the first innings, helping India post a competitive total of 224.
India’s next Test series is scheduled for October against the West Indies at home. While Nair’s overall returns were below expectations, his crucial innings in the final Test may strengthen his case for selection in the upcoming series.
