Delhi: In the fifth and last Test match played at The Oval, India defeated England by 6 runs in a thrilling match to make the series 2–2. The last day’s game in this match held on August 4 was very exciting. England had a target of 374 runs to win, and the team was just 35 runs away on the last day, while it had 4 wickets left. But the brilliant bowling of Mohammad Siraj and famous Krishna overturned.

Feeling of Ben Stokes

Former England captain Michael Vaughan said after this defeat that if Ben Stokes were in this match, the result would have been in favor of England. Stokes was out of the series after the fourth Test due to a shoulder injury. Talking on the BBC Test match special, Vaughan said that the presence of Stokes’ presence in the team would have a difference.

“If there were stokes, victory was confirmed”

Vaughan said, “If Ben Stokes had been in the team this morning, England would have won this Test match. He makes a big change in the team’s mindset.” He also said that England got nervous on the last day and the aggressive manner in which he plays was lost. “They only needed a partnership, but they broke under pressure.”

Lack of leadership was heavy

Vaughan believes that in the absence of Stokes, the team felt a lack of a strong leader. Oli Pope took some good decisions as a captain, but in difficult times, a cold mind and experience like Stokes is useful. Stokes is an important player of England’s “Bazball” strategy, who handles the team under pressure.

Siraj and Krishna’s havoc

When the match was completely balanced, Siraj and the famous Krishna shook England. Both bowlers took out the last four wickets from reverse swing and fast bowling and gave India a historic victory. England could not stand on the last occasion and India made a strong comeback and made the series equal.