England vs India: Sky Sports activities pundits revel after collection for the ages showcases Check cricket at its most interesting

An epic conclusion to some of the dramatic Check collection in historical past – England and India had all of it.

The summer season of 2025 will likely be remembered for one of many most interesting Check collection of a era – a benchmark for simply how thrilling the format will be.

Regardless of the heroics of one-armed Chris Woakes, England fell agonisingly quick – by simply six runs – as India clinched the fifth Check to stage the collection 2-2 in a gripping ultimate act of one of many best contests of all time.

“It was an incredible series,” former England captain Nasser Hussain advised Sky Sports activities. “It wasn’t just today. It wasn’t four boring games and then a thrilling climax – it was gripping all the way through.

“We’ll get up tomorrow and sigh that there is not any extra England vs India on this Check collection. This has been an unbelievable story: totally different circumstances, totally different pitches, sensible scenes – not simply right here, however throughout the final six weeks.”

‘Excellent advert for Check cricket’

“What a series it’s been,” former England captain Michael Atherton continued. “It’s been fiery at times, with tension and needle, but these two teams have given us the most magnificent series.”

Former India worldwide Ravi Shastri added: “You might not ask for something extra. Full homes, video games happening to the wire.

“For Test match cricket, there is no better advertisement than that. Nail-biting stuff, a thrilling end to the series.”

Regardless of lower than an hour’s play anticipated, a sell-out crowd packed The Kia Oval and witnessed some of the dramatic finales, as Mohammed Siraj bowled Gus Atkinson to finish his five-for and seal India’s victory.

‘How will you knock Check cricket?’

Hussain believes the unforgettable nature of India’s win proved that Check cricket nonetheless has a vibrant future – and implored the game’s leaders to guard and put it on the market in any respect prices.

“Why do people knock this format? It’s just so wonderful,” he added. “However I am afraid different international locations haven’t got the luxuries that England, India, and Australia get pleasure from.

“The crowds throughout the series – pretty much sold out every day. Even today, there was a sell-out crowd for just 55 minutes of play. Not every country has that privilege.

“England, India, and Australia should keep watch over the way forward for Check match cricket. If we let this go, we’re doing the sport a disservice. We have to hold pushing it forward-and take care of those that aren’t as lucky.”

‘Sequence retains Check cricket alive’

In an period the place Check cricket is continually challenged by the rise of shorter codecs and international franchise leagues, specifically the Indian Premier League, this summer season’s England-India collection stood as a stirring reminder of the format’s enduring magic.

“There’s so much talk about the future of Test cricket,” stated former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik. “But it’s series like this that keep the format alive-they keep that fire burning.”

He added: “I spoke to KL Rahul, and he said Test cricket is well and truly alive. It means so much to them.”

England vs India – full outcomes

5-match collection ends 2-2