The sporting world buzzed with action on Monday (August 4), highlighted by India's emphatic win over England in the fifth Test at The Oval, sealing the series
2-2.
Mohammed Siraj's sensational five-for in the final innings helped the Shubman Gill-led side secure a thrilling 2-2 series in the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy 2025.
Meanwhile, in the Caribbean, Pakistan defeated the West Indies in the third and final T20I to clinch the series. Shubman Gill and Harry Brook were awarded the player of the series for their batting efforts in the tightly-contested five-match Test series.
From individual milestones to dramatic team performances, we bring you the top 10 sporting moments of the day in this comprehensive bulletin.
1. India Seal Stunning Victory Over England in Oval Test; Level Series 2-2
In a dramatic finale to the five-Test series, India clinched a heart-pounding 6-run victory against England on Day 5 at The Oval, leveling the series 2-2. Mohammed Siraj led the charge with figures of 5 for 104, including the final wicket of Gus Atkinson, to seal India's narrowest-ever Test win.
England, needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand, looked poised for victory when Jamie Overton began the day with two consecutive boundaries. But India's bowlers held their nerve, delivering one of the most dramatic finishes in modern Test cricket. This marks the closest win for India in the format, beating their 13-run win over Australia in 2004.
England have now failed to beat India in a Test series since 2018. Meanwhile, The Oval registered its 37th Test draw, equaling Old Trafford, and just behind Lord's tally of 51. The thrilling contest affirmed Test cricket's timeless charm and India's grit.
2. Mohammed Siraj Emerges as Leading Wicket-Taker in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
Mohammed Siraj finished as the highest wicket-taker in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, showcasing unwavering consistency and match-winning spells across the series. The Indian pacer ended the five-Test contest with 23 wickets, including a remarkable 9-wicket haul in the final match at The Oval, where he claimed 5 for 104 in the second innings.
His ability to extract movement off the pitch and reverse the old ball under pressure was crucial in India's comeback, especially on the final morning of the last Test. Siraj's tally included multiple four and five-wicket hauls, and he bowled long, disciplined spells, often without immediate rewards. Yet, his persistence paid off as he provided key breakthroughs throughout the series.
The Telangana speedster's standout performances not only earned India a series draw but also silenced critics who questioned India's pace depth without Jasprit Bumrah. Siraj has now established himself as the fulcrum of India's new-generation pace battery.
3. Shubman Gill and Harry Brook Bag Player of the Series Awards
India's Shubman Gill and England's Harry Brook were named Players of the Series following their prolific performances in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. Gill amassed 754 runs in 10 innings at a stunning average of 75.40, including four centuries. His highest score was a majestic 269, demonstrating his evolving prowess as a Test opener and captain. The young batter was the bedrock of India's top order, consistently converting starts into big scores and adapting well to varying English conditions.
On the other hand, Harry Brook was chosen as England's Player of the Series by India coach Gautam Gambhir. The Yorkshireman scored 481 runs in nine innings, slamming two centuries and two fifties. His counterattacking 111 in the second innings of the final Test nearly took England to a series-clinching win. Brook's fearless strokeplay, maturity under pressure, and growing leadership aura made him England's standout performer across a fiercely contested series.
4. Chris Woakes Earns Standing Ovation After Brave One-Handed Batting Attempt
In one of the most courageous acts of the series, England all-rounder Chris Woakes walked out to bat on Day 5 of the final Test at The Oval with just one functional arm, drawing a heartfelt standing ovation. Woakes had dislocated his left shoulder while diving to save a boundary on Day 1 and was expected to miss the rest of the match.
But when England were nine down and just a few runs away from victory, Woakes made the brave decision to walk out. With his injured arm tucked inside his sweater, he took guard and faced deliveries using only his right hand. Though he didn't face many balls, his spirit and commitment won hearts across the cricketing world. It was a moment of pure grit and sportsmanship that resonated beyond the result.
5. India Clinch Thrilling Oval Win: Suniel Shetty to Kareena Kapoor, Celebs Cheer
India's breathtaking win in the fifth Test sent the internet into a frenzy, with Bollywood stars leading the celebrations online and from the stands. Suniel Shetty, present at The Oval with son Ahan, captured jubilant moments in videos and cheered passionately as India sealed a six-run victory. Arjun Kapoor hailed Mohammed Siraj's spirit, calling him his personal Player of the Match, while Anil Kapoor shared footage of the Indian flag flying proudly at the stadium. Athiya Shetty, KL Rahul's wife, expressed her joy with a heartfelt "Unreal" post.
Angad Bedi lauded Siraj's determination, calling him a champion bowler. Kareena Kapoor and others echoed national pride by resharing news posts and adding a proud "Jai Hind. " The celebrity love mirrored the mood across the country. The final Test wasn't just a sporting event-it became a cultural celebration. Test cricket's grandeur, India's resilience, and Bollywood's fandom collided in perfect harmony.
6. Siraj Reveals Personal Photo Inspired His Oval Heroics
Mohammed Siraj's man-of-the-moment performance at The Oval came with a poignant inspiration. After claiming nine wickets in the match-including the decisive final wicket-Siraj revealed that a motivational photo guided him on the morning of Day 5. "I downloaded a picture from Google that just said 'Believe'," he said. That image, coupled with a memory of his late father and words from Ravindra Jadeja, helped fuel his fire.
He struck early to dismiss Jamie Smith with a beautiful outswinger before trapping Overton LBW. He also overcame the disappointment of dropping a catch off Brook the previous day, showing remarkable mental strength. With Prasidh Krishna also delivering under pressure, India reduced England from 332/5 to 367 all out. "Lord's was heartbreaking, but this is redemption," Siraj said. From belief in a photo to defending just 35 runs, Siraj's Oval spell will be remembered as a story of personal resolve, passion, and poetic justice.
7. England Should Consider Brook as Future Captain: Michael Vaughan
Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes Harry Brook should be considered as Ben Stokes' successor in the red-ball format. Speaking after England's narrow loss in the final Test at The Oval, Vaughan praised Brook's leadership aura and his clutch performance under pressure. "Brook looks like a born leader," Vaughan said on BBC's Test Match Special podcast. "If Stokes steps away, Brook should get the nod over Ollie Pope. "
Brook scored a defiant 111 in the second innings of the final Test, nearly pulling off a series win for England. Vaughan's endorsement carries weight, especially after Brook was recently appointed as white-ball captain and led England to a series win over West Indies. His calmness, aggressive mindset, and strong domestic record make him an appealing candidate for long-term leadership. While Pope remains the designated vice-captain, Brook's emergence offers England an exciting leadership prospect for the future.
8. Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 Equals Record for Most Hundreds in a Test Series
The 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has etched its name into the record books, equaling the record for the most individual centuries in a single Test series. A total of 21 centuries were scored during the five-match India-England contest, matching the feat first achieved in the Australia-West Indies series of 1955.
India's captain Shubman Gill led the way with four tons, including a highest score of 269. Joe Root followed with three centuries. Other notable contributors were KL Rahul, Harry Brook, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant, all scoring two hundreds each. England's Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Ben Stokes, and Ollie Pope, along with India's Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, also registered one ton apiece.
The series was a batting spectacle, aided by flat tracks and attacking intent. Of the 21 hundreds, Indian batters accounted for 12 while English batters made nine. It was a series for the purists and entertainers alike.
9. Siraj Had a Phenomenal Series and a Finish: Brook Lauds Indian Pacer
England's Harry Brook heaped praise on Mohammed Siraj after the Indian pacer shattered England's hopes with a sensational spell on Day 5 of the final Test at The Oval. Brook, who had launched a thrilling counterattack with a 98-ball 111, admitted that England were confident heading into the final day. "We thought we had it in the bag," said Brook. "But Siraj was brilliant. He's had a phenomenal series and an even better finish. "
Siraj's fiery second-innings spell yielded five wickets, including the game-sealing dismissal of Gus Atkinson. Across the series, Siraj claimed 23 wickets-the most by any bowler. Brook's words reflect the high regard Siraj now commands among opposition players. Despite his attacking brilliance, Brook acknowledged that Siraj's discipline, energy, and control under pressure proved to be the difference. "He deserved it," Brook concluded. In a series dominated by batting, it was fitting that a bowler walked away with the biggest applause.
10. Pakistan Clinch T20I Series Win Over West Indies with Gritty Victory
Pakistan edged past West Indies by 13 runs in the third T20I to seal the series 2-1, completing a confidence-boosting win on Sunday. Chasing 190, the West Indies looked on track during the middle overs but were undone by some disciplined death bowling from Haris Rauf (1/34) and Sufiyan Muqeem (1/20). Earlier, Pakistan rode on a 138-run opening stand between Sahibzada Farhan (74 off 53) and Saim Ayub (66 off 49) to post 189/6.
Despite a mini-collapse in the middle overs, Pakistan's bowlers stepped up at the right time. Skipper Salman Agha managed his resources well and ensured Pakistan didn't lose back-to-back matches against the Windies - a record they have maintained in T20Is.
