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England and India draw, but Test cricket is the real winner - for now
Alex Chapman • August 5th, 2025 9:08 am
No.11 Chris Woakes batted with his arm in a sling, but his efforts would be in vain | Photo: AP
Oh, Test cricket, you mystical, mythical marvel - at a time when your existence is questioned and considered, once again, you deliver in a way only you can.
For all that was spoken about the threat of Jasprit Bumrah’s unorthodox bowling, the elegance and ever-growing ascension of Joe Root, the doggedness of Ben Stokes, and the arrival of India’s new prince in Shubman Gill, it was the lionhearted efforts of two others who stood tall as the curtain fell on one of the more-frazzling yet fantastic series in recent memory.
There were so many ongoing questions over how India could come close, let alone win with greats retired and in periods without Bumrah, particularly once it was declared that the slingy paceman would only play three Tests.
Mohammed Siraj was named player of the match after taking three of England's last four wickets | Photo: AP
But as if the shadow of the lethal catapult was removed, even on an overcast fifth day in London, it was Mohammed Siraj who stepped into the sun.
Having bowled more than 180 overs in the series, the clattering of Gus Atkinson’s off-stump sealed India's win, his 23rd scalp, and an iconic moment. While at the other end, with his arm in a sling, hidden under his white jersey, stood an equally-comparable paragon of courage.
In what was arguably the bravest zero off zero ever seen in the history of the game, and a new level of the selflessness of Bazball, Chris Woakes put his body through goodness knows what just to give his side a sniff. For every step came a whince, for every run came an exclaim of pain.
And they came close.
With every burgled bye, six smashed and whatever else in between, there was hope - having seemingly lost from such a winnable position.
How fitting though that 20 years to the day since the start of Edgbaston 2005, a Test of such drama and theatre, should end in a similar way.
For a five-match series that had hostility and heart, entertained and enthused, to end like that on the fifth day - with spoils shared and celebrated - is fitting.
The last round blow seeing the judges unable to separate the heavyweights from what truly were tests in every sense of the word.
It felt like even Mother Nature was doing her darndest to keep the heavens closed to avoid the anticlimax.
Imagine trying to explain all of that to someone from a nation that doesn’t love this ludicrous game. They’d think you mad and try get rid of it. Just like some who wield self-appointed godly power seem to be doing their best to.
These are the sorts of series that not only keep Test cricket alive but have its heart beating so loud that the criticism and questioning can barely be heard.
That’s not to say it’s without flaws, because it has them. Oh boy, does it have them.
But for the hero to not be those who usually dominate inches on the Daily Bugle or Gotham Gazette is again evidence of the storylines that few, if any, can come up with.
Those against the romanticism will point to how even in the far-fetched tales of the likes of the Brontes there will always be flaws and fatalities, and how few and far between these sorts of stories are.
There are series that are pointless and poxy, but in a sport where history is heralded and celebrated, why would the removal of such a relic be rejoiced and not reprimanded?
And while some will argue that there isn’t room in the calendar when the currency is time as well as money, it is a reminder of a value which can’t be measured.
The irony of the ICC posting on social media “it’s why we love Test cricket” can’t and shouldn’t be lost on stakeholders, with fans the most important of them all. They are also those with the loudest voices, should they choose to use them.
So, given all the word-slinging that there has been and will continue to be, it's perhaps the last word be a fitting understatement from England’s player of the series, Harry Brook.
“Just cricket, innit?”
