India secured a thrilling 6-run victory over England in the final Test match to level the five-match series 2-2. The dramatic conclusion saw Mohammed Siraj claiming crucial wickets on Day 5 as England, needing just 35 runs with 4 wickets remaining, fell short of their 374-run target despite centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook.Many former cricketers made their predictions before the five-match series began on June 19. Everyone, except ex-Australia captain Michael Clarke, predicted a series win for England. Clarke had predicted a 3-2 win for the Shubman Gill-led team that was in transition following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Unanimous verdict, however, was for England to clinch the series. Ex-England skippers Nasser Hussain, Michael Vaughan and Alastair Cook predicted 3-1 each. Other former England players also backed the hosts to clinch the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy: Graeme Swann (4-1), Jos Buttler (4-1), David Lloyd (4-0) and Phil Tufnell (3-1). Ex-South Africa seamer Dale Steyn and former India batter Aakash Chopra predicted a close 3-2 win for England.But only one pundit was right on money: Dinesh Karthik. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting coach and mentor had correctly predicted 2-2 outcome before the series got underway.The series finished in dramatic and thrilling manner. Jamie Overton started Day 5 aggressively with two quick boundaries, putting pressure on the Indian bowlers. However, Mohammed Siraj turned the tide by dismissing Jamie Smith and then trapping Overton lbw in quick succession.Prasidh Krishna joined the wicket-taking spree by clean bowling Josh Tongue with a yorker, bringing India closer to victory. Chris Woakes, despite nursing a shoulder injury, came out to bat in an attempt to save the match for England.Gus Atkinson provided a late spark of hope for England by hitting a six to reduce the target to 11 runs. However, Siraj had the final say by dismantling Atkinson’s off stump to seal India’s victory.
