India edged England by six runs at The Kia Oval on Monday to secure a nail-biting victory and deservedly draw the five-Test series 2-2.
Mohammed Siraj was the hero for the visitors, knocking over Gus Atkinson’s stumps and grabbing a five-for as England slumped to 367 all out – only half a dozen runs shy of what was a mammoth target.
England will now turn their attention to the upcoming Ashes Down Under, while India have home series against West Indies and South Africa to look forward to.
Stokes ‘incredibly proud’ of England team
England captain Ben Stokes, who missed the final Test match through injury, spoke to Sky Sports afterwards and did not hide his disappointment.
“Another hard-fought game, right down to day five. Both teams have put so much energy and effort into this series – it’s been amazing to be a part of,” he said.
“I’m bitterly disappointed we couldn’t get over the line here, but I’m incredibly proud of my team and everything they’ve thrown into it.
“We would have loved to come away with the series win, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
Regarding the tension-filled and emotional series, he added: “It’s been awesome. England vs India is always a massive series. There are always going to be moments where emotions come out from both sides.
“You get to the stage where the game is on the line, but I don’t think any of my lads will be going to sleep crying over what was said, and I don’t think any India players will be crying either.
“It just goes to show the passion and desire of everyone who walks out representing their country and what it means to walk out with the flag on your chest.”
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Relieved Gill hails ‘magnificent’ final spell
India captain Shubman Gill was overjoyed with the final result in London, telling Sky Sports: “Every Test we came on day four and day five never knowing who was going to win.
“It just shows that both the teams came with their A game and I am very happy to get over the line in this one.
“There was a bit of pressure on us, but I think the way we came through that spell was magnificent for us.
“Pressure makes you do things you don’t want to and we wanted them to feel it as they chased all those runs.”
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Brook gives credit to ‘phenomenal’ Siraj
Harry Brook was named England’s Player of the Series and made sure to give Siraj credit during a post-match interview with Sky Sports.
“We came into the day very confident. We had two very good players out there and I thought we were going to easily see it home,” the Yorkshire star admitted.
“But the way the Indians fought back and the way Siraj bowled, it deserved every success.
“Siraj has played five Test matches in a row, bowling 85mph every delivery. He’s had a phenomenal series, and I respect what he’s done this series a lot.”
Siraj, meanwhile, was awarded the Player of the Match trophy after his final-day heroics.
“To be honest, it is so amazing. From day one to here, everyone fought so hard, so we are very happy,” the fast bowler told Sky Sports.
“I just wanted to make sure I hit the right areas – the wickets would fall and anything else would be a bonus.
“When I woke up, I believed I could do it. I took a screenshot of something on Google that said ‘believe’ because I wanted to put it out there today.”
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