Heroic Woakes can't avert drama-packed India victory

India won by six runs; series is drawn 2-2 India repelled England and the heroics of Chris Woakes to produce an exhilarating blitz to snatch a six-run victory in the fifth Test and a series draw at a raucous Oval.

- JACK RATHBORN

England 247 & 367

India 224 & 396

After a combination of rain and bad light sent this gripping series into a fifth day, the drama came to a boil across an absorbing morning, with bowlers Mohammed Siraj - the player of the match after a memorable five-wicket haul - and Prasidh Krishna providing the spark as the ball hooped around corners.

It ended with Gus Atkinson shielding Woakes, batting with a sling with one arm tucked inside his jumper. But Siraj, clasping the ball long after cleaning out Atkinson to complete the win off the back of 5-104, conjured a spell of breathtaking speed and variety. The maverick bowler rebounded after squandering a chance to dismiss Harry Brook before his marvellous century and innings of 111, sealing a win for his country and the thousands of delirious India fans in south London and the start of a new era.

“It means absolutely everything,” said KL Rahul. “I’ve seen India win the World Cup, nothing compares, but so many doubts, so many questions from everyone if Test cricket would stay or not... I think we have answered that question. A team that was not given a chance in this series, it might seem like a draw, but I think for India, it will rank right at the top. This is where the change begins.” If the equation appeared simple enough at the start of play, with England chasing 35 runs for victory in the Test and series, and India desperately searching for four wickets, with one of those the one-armed Woakes, to earn a draw, then the margins immediately narrowed yet further.

Krishna raced in to complete his over from last night, with dark clouds providing a gloomy backdrop, and Jamie Overton clattered him for four to ease some nerves.