The India vs. England Test Series 2025 has been a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing grit, brilliance, and drama on the cricket field. With the series tied at 2-2 heading into the fifth Test at The Oval, this clash has kept fans glued to their screens. From Shubman Gill’s heroic century to Ben Stokes’ all-round masterclass and the controversial handshake drama, this series has delivered unforgettable moments. In this article, we dive into the key highlights, tactical battles, and what’s at stake as India and England gear up for the finale. Let’s break it down!

Key Moments of the India vs. England Test Series 2025

1. Shubman Gill’s Record-Breaking Grit in Manchester

India’s young captain, Shubman Gill, etched his name in the record books during the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Facing a precarious 0/2 in the second innings, Gill, alongside KL Rahul, stitched an unbeaten 174-run partnership to revive India’s hopes. Gill’s 228-ball century, studded with 12 fours, broke Virat Kohli’s all-time record for runs in a Test series, amassing over 700 runs. His resilience under pressure silenced critics, with head coach Gautam Gambhir fiercely defending his leadership and talent, stating, “Anyone questioning Gill’s ability doesn’t understand cricket.”

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2. Ben Stokes’ All-Round Heroics and Handshake Controversy

England’s captain, Ben Stokes, was the standout performer in Manchester, becoming only the fourth Englishman to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in the same Test. His 141-run knock off 198 balls and figures of 5/72 in India’s first innings set the tone for England’s mammoth 669-run total. However, Stokes sparked controversy by offering a premature draw to Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who were nearing centuries. When India declined, Stokes refused to shake hands with Jadeja, leading to a heated exchange. Gautam Gambhir later remarked, “If someone’s batting on 90, you don’t offer a draw.” This drama added spice to an already intense series.

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3. Rishabh Pant’s Pain-Defying Fifty

Rishabh Pant’s courage was on full display in Manchester despite a fractured toe sustained on Day 1. Batting on one foot, Pant scored a gritty 54 off 75 balls, earning praise from Gambhir, who said, “The foundation of this team will be built on Rishabh’s courage.” Sadly, Pant was ruled out of the fifth Test at The Oval, with Narayan Jagadeesan stepping in as his replacement. Pant’s resilience inspired India’s fightback, turning a potential defeat into a draw.

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4. Jadeja and Sundar’s Century Stand

Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar turned the tide in Manchester, both scoring centuries to secure a draw. Jadeja’s second Test ton, capped by a six off Harry Brook, and Sundar’s maiden century were pivotal in keeping India alive in the series. Their refusal to accept Stokes’ draw offer showcased India’s fighting spirit, with Sundar later saying, “It’s difficult to put this moment into words.” This partnership was a testament to India’s depth and determination.

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5. England’s Bazball vs. India’s Resilience

England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach, led by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, met its match in India’s dogged resilience. While England posted 669 in Manchester, India’s second innings of 425/4 showcased their ability to grind out results. Ricky Ponting noted that India’s management could learn from Bazball’s backing of players like Zak Crawley, but India’s tactical discipline under Gambhir proved equally effective. The series has been a fascinating clash of styles, with the Oval Test set to decide the winner.

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Tactical Analysis: What Worked and What Didn’t

India’s Strengths

• Middle-Order Depth: Gill, KL Rahul, Jadeja, and Sundar stepped up when seniors like Virat Kohli struggled, highlighting India’s robust batting line-up.
• Gambhir’s Leadership: Gautam Gambhir’s fiery press conferences and backing of young players like Gill boosted team morale. His call for injury substitutes in Test cricket also sparked debate.
• Bowling Resilience: Despite missing Jasprit Bumrah in parts, Mohammed Siraj and debutant Anshul Kamboj showed promise, though Kapil Dev defended Kamboj’s underwhelming start, saying, “You don’t expect a debutant to take 10 wickets.”

India’s Challenges

• Top-Order Woes: India’s 0/2 collapse in Manchester exposed vulnerabilities, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma struggling early.
• Pant’s Absence: With Pant ruled out for the Oval, India’s wicketkeeping and middle-order dynamism will be tested.

England’s Strengths

• Stokes’ All-Round Impact: Stokes’ dual contributions and leadership kept England dominant, with his 7000 runs and 200 wickets milestone placing him among Test cricket’s elite.
• Batting Depth: Joe Root’s consistent scoring and Ben Duckett’s sweeping mastery bolstered England’s mammoth totals.

England’s Challenges

• Bowling Fatigue: Stokes’ injury concerns and reluctance to use frontline bowlers late in Manchester highlighted workload issues.
• Handshake Fallout: Stokes’ behavior drew criticism, potentially affecting team morale heading into the Oval.

What’s at Stake in the Oval Test?

With the series level at 2-2, the fifth Test at The Oval (starting August 1, 2025) is a decider. India aims to level the series, banking on Jasprit Bumrah’s return, as confirmed by Gill: “Bumrah’s fitness is a great deal for us.” England, meanwhile, will rely on Stokes’ availability and Root’s form to clinch the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The clash also has implications for the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle, with both teams eyeing early points.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The series has set social media ablaze, with Virat Kohli’s old post praising Stokes’ competitiveness going viral after his Manchester heroics. Fans on X have lauded Gill’s captaincy, with hashtags like #INDvsENG and #ManchesterTest trending. One fan wrote, “Gill and Jadeja showed Bazball who’s boss!” Meanwhile, Stokes’ handshake snub sparked debates, with some calling it “unsportsmanlike” and others defending his passion.

How to Watch the Oval Test

• Date: August 1–5, 2025
• Venue: The Oval, London
• Live Streaming: ESPNcricinfo, Star Sports, Sky Sports
• Key Players to Watch: Shubman Gill, Joe Root, Jasprit Bumrah, Ben Stokes

Conclusion

The India vs. England Test Series 2025 has been a spectacle of skill, drama, and resilience. From Gill’s record-breaking century to Stokes’ all-round brilliance and the fiery handshake controversy, the series has delivered on all fronts. As we head to The Oval, the battle for supremacy is anyone’s game. Will India’s grit triumph, or will England’s Bazball seal the deal? Share your predictions in the comments and follow our blog for live updates and in-depth analysis!