India pulled off a stunning win at The Oval, beating England by just six runs in their fifth and last Test match for the series on Monday, August 4. The visitors managed to defend England’s target of 374 runs, as they bowled out the squad for 367, which levelled the series 2-2.

England looked in control at 339 for 6, eyeing only 35 more runs to win the match and the series. However, India’s Mohammed Siraj had other plans. The fast bowler ripped through England’s bid, taking four wickets for 86 balls during the second innings. He later finished off with a fifer, taking a total of five wickets for 104 in the match.

This win marks India’s narrowest-ever victory by runs in a Test match. The previous narrowest margin was a 13-run victory against Australia in 2004. Siraj said after the game that he found strength with his late father. ‘Jaddu Bhai told me to back my defence and remember my dad,�?he shared.

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England spinner Shoaib Bashir has been ruled out of the rest of the squad’s Test series against India after suffering a finger fracture. The 21-year-old injured the little finger on his left hand during the third Test at Lord’s. Despite the injury, Bashir still managed to bowl and claim the final wicket that sealed England’s win.

Bashir’s exit is a blow to England’s bowling line-up, especially after his strong form during the series. All-rounder, Ben Stokes, shared that it was ‘very disappointing�?for both the team and Bashir himself.

He also commended the spinner for putting in effort, ‘He's got a very badly broken finger…To even walk out there and bat. He didn't even ask, he got his pads on, and got his finger strapped up.�?/p>

The England side confirmed that Bashir will undergo surgery and won’t be around for the final two matches. No replacement is named yet, but a new spinner is to be called before the next game. The fourth Test starts on Wednesday, July 23, at Old Trafford.

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India’s Test captain Shubman Gill made history on Day 2 of the second Test at Edgbaston on Thursday, July 3. He scored a stunning 269 that helped India post a huge 587 all out against England.

The 25-year-old skipper became the first Asian Test captain to score a double century in the SENA region (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia). His record is now the highest Test score by an Indian batter in England, which broke Sunil Gavaskar’s long-standing record of 221.

Gill’s innings included sharp footwork and calm control. He was supported by strong batsmen, Yashasvi Jaiswal (87) and Ravindra Jadeja (89), though the latter fell a bit short of getting his century.

India continued to lead the game as England closed the day at 77 runs for 3 wickets, trailing by a massive 510 runs. India’s second Test with England is set to finish by Sunday, July 6. 

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Shubman Gill takes the reins as India’s new Test captain for the upcoming five-match series against England, starting Friday, June 20 in Leeds. This series will kick off India’s campaign in the nearing 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle.

At just 25, Gill becomes the country’s 37th Test skipper, taking over after the historic exits of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from red-ball cricket. Gill is joined by all-rounder Rishabh Pant, who steps in as the squad’s vice-captain. 

Gill said he feels proud to lead the team and knows the big task ahead. ‘To be able to get this opportunity is a great honour and it's a big responsibility. I'm looking forward to this exciting opportunity�? he shared.

The squad also sees returns of Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan. Pace bowler Mohammed Shami is ruled out due to injury. Jasprit Bumrah was not picked for captaincy due to workload concerns.

With a mix of fresh faces and experience, this series will mark a big new start for India's Test side under Gill’s leadership.

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