From Gill’s 269 to Siraj’s Oval heroics: Five moments fans will never forget from IND vs ENG Test series

India had lost the opener at Headingley and faced the prospect of falling behind. Gill responded with one of the greatest innings by an Indian captain overseas, scoring a majestic 269 to set up India’s first-ever Test win at Edgbaston. It was the knock that transformed him from Rohit Sharma’s successor into India’s new batting leader. By the end of the series, Gill had amassed 754 runs, the most by an Indian in a Test series.

2. The Lord’s finger-wag that turned a friendly series into a fiery rivalry

For the first two Tests, the cricket had been competitive but respectful. That changed at Lord’s when England’s openers delayed proceedings late in the day, prompting Shubman Gill’s animated reaction and finger-wagging exchange. Tempers flared, sledging increased and the intensity never dropped for the remainder of the series, giving fans one of the most emotionally charged India-England contests in years.

3. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar’s unbeaten rescue act at Old Trafford

With India staring at defeat after conceding a huge first-innings lead, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar produced a remarkable unbeaten double-century partnership. Both reached centuries as India batted England out of the game to force a draw and keep the series alive heading into the Oval. Sundar’s maiden Test hundred and Jadeja’s composure under pressure became defining images of India’s resilience.

4. Mohammed Siraj’s final-hour heroics at The Oval

With England chasing 374 and the match hanging in the balance, Harry Brook and Joe Root threatened to pull off another famous chase. Siraj, however, produced one final spell for the ages, finishing with a five-wicket haul as India clinched a six-run victory to square the series 2-2. It was one of the closest finishes in modern Test cricket and cemented Siraj’s status as India’s pace spearhead.

5. Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes embody England’s fighting spirit

The series wasn’t defined only by Indian brilliance. Ben Stokes repeatedly dragged England back into contests with bat, ball and leadership, while the image of an injured Chris Woakes walking out to bat at The Oval with his arm in a sling became one of the enduring photographs of the summer.

Published on Aug 04, 2026