India, Aug.04,2025: The turning point came in the 35th over of England’s chase. Prasidh Krishna bowled, Harry Brook edged a pull to long leg where Siraj appeared to take the catch cleanly
critical Siraj blunder – how one moment flipped the match
The critical Siraj blunder occurred late morning on Day 4 at The Oval and changed the course of the fifth Test between India and England. England eventually needed just 35 runs with six wickets down, while India required four late wickets to draw the series
Match context: Day 5 drama at The Oval
Entering the final day, England led the series 2–1. They needed only 35 more runs to win the match and the series; India needed four wickets to force a clean draw and level the series at 2–2. Play on Day 4 ended prematurely due to rain and bad light.
Early sessions recap
In a gripping test full of twists, both teams’ first innings wrapped up quickly. England built a slender 23‑run lead, but India fought back to lead by 52. A brilliant century by Yashasvi Jaiswal, plus half‑centuries from Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, helped India set 374. On Day 3 and Day 4 morning, Siraj dismissed Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope to reduce England’s hopes.
The critical Siraj blunder: A dropped catch off the boundary
The turning point came in the 35th over of England’s chase. Prasidh Krishna bowled, Harry Brook edged a pull to long leg where Siraj appeared to take the catch cleanly. Prasidh raised both arms celebrating, but Siraj had stepped on the boundary rope—turning what should have been an out into a six. Brook survived on 19 and capitalized with a brilliant century.
Siraj immediately regretted the error, covering his face in disappointment, and later apologized to Prasidh.
Aftermath: Brook and Root centuries seize control
Brook and Root then stitched a 195‑run stand that completely turned momentum: Brook blasted 111 off 91 balls, Root brought up his 39th Test ton. England moved to 301‑4, cruising toward their historic chase.
Brook became the first batter since Don Bradman to score his 10th Test hundred in under 50 innings. Root surpassed Sangakkara in terms of Test centuries.
India’s fightback late Day 4
Post lunch India rallied. Siraj claimed Root’s wicket, and Prasidh captured key dismissals of Bethell and Duckett in quick succession. By stumps, England were 339‑6, keeping the edge but India firmly back in the contest.
The weather intervened again: poor light followed by rain ended play early.
Day 5 forecast and implications
Rain is predicted in south London from mid‑afternoon onwards, but the morning session should remain playable—crucial for a result. A washout later could lead to a draw, gifting India the series draw.
Can India still salvage a draw?
India will begin Day 5 under pressure, but with slim hope. England may rely on injured Chris Woakes batting one‑armed if required. Ollie Pope leads in place of Ben Stokes. India must pick four lower‑order wickets in limited time.
India’s bowlers, inspired by Siraj, must dig deep again, repeating late‑Day 4 heroics.
Expert reactions & fan quotes
Former captain Ricky Ponting was scathing:
“What was he thinking? He wasn’t thinking at all.”
Sunil Gavaskar emphasized the stakes:
“Unless India win this game and level the series, you have to admit that England are the better team.”
The critical Siraj blunder remains the single moment that swung the Oval Test. That one catch mistake boosted Brook’s innings and shifted momentum firmly toward England. Yet India’s fightback and a spirited Day 5 promise more drama. With rain looming and slim margins, everything hinges on whether India’s four wickets arrive before England finishes the chase.
