India showcased a commanding performance in the fifth and final Test at The Oval earlier this week, securing a narrow six-run win to level the series 2-2 against England. Although the Indian bowlers were under pressure during England’s 374-run chase, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna led a remarkable recovery, guiding India to victory and averting a series loss.

The series provided thrilling competition from start to finish, with both teams delivering exceptional cricket. India found themselves in control during all five matches, despite the pre-series expectations being heavily against them. The retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma just a month before the tour were seen as a major blow, and few expected a Shubman Gill-led team to match England on their home soil.

Michael Clarke, the former Australian captain, praised India’s performance, noting that he would have felt “disappointed” if he was in Ben Stokes’ shoes.

“This England team was held to a 2-2 draw at home. If I’m captain of that team, I’m disappointed with that result. I’d want to win, especially in my own conditions. I’m sure they entered the series expecting to come out on top,” Michael Clarke said.

The former Australian batter added that India should view the draw as a “victory,” highlighting that Shubman Gill’s team has truly “overachieved” in England’s challenging conditions.

“I’m not underestimating India, but they’ve definitely overachieved, especially considering the circumstances leading into the series. If India had lost, people would have understood, given the new captain, the absence of two key players, and the best bowler in the world playing just three out of five matches. I believe England entered the series expecting to win. India have certainly overperformed, and to draw the series 2-2 is, in my view, a win for them,” Clarke added.