New India script a miracle at Oval

Siraj's five-for powers Gill & Co to level England Test series with a thrilling six-run win

- SANDEEP DWIVEDI

MOHAMMED SIRAJ, THE tireless warrior, would run in to bowl the first ball of his 186th over of this series like the wind. His strides had the enthusiasm and energy of a child running to the playground after the school bell. England were a hit away to win the series 3-1, a six was all they needed. The last fully-fit batsman standing, Gus Atkinson, swung his bat all right, but Siraj's match-changing deadly yorker would blow the off-stump—and also England's hopes.

In India's cricket folklore, Siraj's yorker could rank with MS Dhoni's six that won India the 2011 World Cup. His strike had given a logical end to the series. India's 6-run win ended the contest 2-2—nothing could have been more apt for this epic see-saw battle of fine margins where neither team gave up. There was sweat, blood and broken bones, but no sign of the will backing down.