An epic conclusion to one of the most dramatic test series in history – England and India had it all.
The summer of 2025 will be remembered for one of the finest test series in a generation – a benchmark for how exciting the format can be.
Despite the heroics of one -armed Chris Woakes, England fell an annoying card – with only six races – as India got the fifth test to smooth the series 2-2 in a griping last act of one of the biggest competitions of the time.
“It was an incredible series,” said former English Captain Nasser Hussain Sky Sports. “It wasn’t just today. It wasn’t four boring games and then an exciting highlight – it grabbed throughout.
“We wake up tomorrow and sugar that there is no more England vs India in this test series. This has been an incredible story: different conditions, different places, brilliant scenes – not only here, but in the last six weeks.”
‘Perfect ad for test cricket’
“What a series it has been,” continued former English Captain Michael Atherton. “It has at times been fiery with excitement and needle, but these two teams have given us the most magnificent series.”
Former India International Ravi Shastri added: “You couldn’t ask for anything more. Full houses, games that go down to the cord.
“For test match cricket there is no better advertising than that. Nail -biting things, an exciting ending to the series.”
Despite less than an hour of play, a sold-out audience packed Kia Oval and witnessed one of the most dramatic finals when Mohammed Siraj Bowled Gus Atkinson to end his five-for and seal India’s victory.
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Mohammed Siraj removes Gus Atkinson to give India a 6 -run -win and tie the series against England.
‘How can you knock Test Cricket?’
Hussain believes that the unforgettable nature of India’s victory proved that the test crick still has a vibrant future – and asked the leaders of the sport to protect and promote it at all costs.
“Why do people knock this format? It’s just so wonderful,” he added. “But I’m afraid other countries don’t have the luxury that England, India and Australia enjoy.
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England’s captain Ben Stokes responds to a dramatic ending to an incredible series at The Oval, where India took a series-live victory.
“The crowds throughout the series – largely sold out every day. Even today there was a sold -out audience in only 55 minutes of play. Not every country has that privilege.
“England, India and Australia have to keep an eye on the future of Test match cricket. If we let this go, we do the game a bear service. We have to continue pushing it forward and caring for those who are not so lucky.”
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Sky Sports Cricket Pundits look back at their favorite moments from an exciting series between England and India.
‘Series keeps test cricket alive’
In an era where the test cricket is constantly challenged by the emergence of shorter formats and global franchise leagues, especially the Indian Premier League, this summer’s England-India series stood as an overlying reminder of the sustained magic of the format.
“There is so much talk about the future of the test cricket,” said former Indian Wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik. “But it’s series like this that keeps the format in the live-they keep that fire burning.”
He added, “I was talking to KL Rahul and he said the test cricket is good and really alive. It means so much to them.”
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Look back on the on-Field needle between England and India during the summer test series.
England vs India – full results
The five-match series ends 2-2