On Day 5 of the fifth and final Test of the series, former England cricketer Stuart Broad gave his thoughts on India’s stunning triumph at The Oval. Given their current position, he acknowledged that he had thought England was likely to win the game.
With four wickets remaining on the last day, the hosts needed just 35 more runs to reach their total of 374. Stuart Broad revealed that he anticipated Jamie Smith to lead England to a resounding victory with a few early boundaries. India, however, levelled the five-match series 2-2 with an outstanding bowling display, dismissing England for 367 and winning by a thrilling six runs.
“If I’m being brutally honest, I thought England would do it. I came with the expectation that Jamie Smith would set a few boundaries and everything would settle down. The runs would come easily after India brought in the fielders to take wickets. The ball was 76 overs old, but it was swaying all over the place on one of those ideal mornings when it clouded over and drizzled a little.
On the ‘For The Love Of Cricket’ podcast, Stuart Broad stated, “You’re thinking happy days, done and dusted, after Jamie Overton started eight from the first two balls.”
The atmosphere was electrifying, according to Stuart Broad, who was at The Oval on Day 5, with most of the audience fully behind India. Mohammed Siraj, who flourished under pressure and performed when it counted most, appeared to be inspired by the energy in the crowd, he said.
The game was predicted to be won by England: Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler, a batsman and wicketkeeper for England, praised the visitors’ incredible comeback to win the fifth Test and also appreciated India’s tenacity. At one point during the chase, Joe Root and Harry Brook both scored hundreds, giving the impression that England was in total control.
During their 195-run stand for the fourth wicket, Buttler acknowledged that India appeared to be losing the match. But after dismissing Brook, Akash Deep changed the tide and caused a collapse that finally resulted in India’s thrilling six-run triumph.
“India deserves all the praise for persevering. I saw a little of it last night, and with Root and Brooks’ amazing connection, I felt India was defeated and that England was the clear favourite, but that one wicket from Brook gave the match a new lease on life,” Buttler remarked.
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