LONDON: The status and validity of Test match cricket, often derided in these days of instant-gratification overs-limited sponsor-friendly action, has been underscored by the Test series between England and India which ended in an honours-even 2-2 draw at The Oval.

After a thrilling, if temperamental tussle, India secured a six-run victory by denying England after a climactic closing phase which saw Chris Woakes came out to bat with his arm in a sling to support Gus Atkinson when England needed 17 to reach their target of 374.

Woakes was given a hero’s welcome, then stood at the non-striker’s end as Atkinson attempted to swipe England to victory. After Atkinson hit Mohammed Siraj for six, Woakes ran a bye to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who missed the stumps, in order for Atkinson to pinch the strike.

India kept the field back. Prasidh Krishna bowled the next over. Woakes was able to run a two, then another vital single off the final ball to leave Atkinson with the strike. But Atkinson was bowled by the brilliant Siraj, giving India their narrowest victory in terms of runs in a Test.

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