Slings and arrows of outrageous misfortune

THIS DRAMA HAD THE LOT: A ONE-ARMED HERO, 2 WARRIOR TRIBES AND A GREAT ESCAPE

- JEREMY CROSS

THE finale might have lasted less than two hours. But the memories of it will endure forever.

Those who think Mondays are the most depressing day of the week should think again.

Try telling that to the thousands packed into The Oval to watch one of the greatest endings, to one of the greatest Test matches, in one of the greatest series.

This was right up there with the 2005 Ashes on these shores.

In a game for the ages, India won by six runs. The smallest winning margin in their long history.

But the outcome doesn't begin to tell half the story of what had unfolded before Mohammed Siraj smashed down the stumps of Gus Atkinson to see India produce the sort of comeback Houdini would have struggled to pull off.