\u201cTest matches in England and Australia have a charm of their own. What we saw in this series, especially the final Test, was real Test cricket \u2014 pressure, fightbacks, and tactical gambles,\u201d Latif told IANS. \u201cThis final match turned into a fast-bowler\u2019s contest, and the way Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bowled under pressure was incredible.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On a nail-biting final day, Mohammed Siraj produced one of the finest spells of his career, taking three of the last four England wickets to complete a five-wicket haul and bowl India to a six-run win \u2014 their narrowest victory by runs in the history of Test cricket. With it, India squared the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2024 series 2\u20132, ending an unforgettable tour on a high.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England, resuming at 339\/6 and needing just 35 runs, were favourites to seal the match and the series. But Siraj had other plans.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He got things rolling by drawing a tentative poke from Jamie Smith, caught brilliantly low by Dhruv Jurel for 2. Then, after a tense few overs in which England chipped away at the target, Siraj struck again \u2014 trapping Jamie Overton LBW with a nip-backer. Umpire's call went India\u2019s way, bringing them two wickets away from a famous win.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Prasidh Krishna, who had already bowled his heart out for four wickets, joined the act with a sensational 141 kmph yorker to clean up Josh Tongue. That brought Chris Woakes to the crease, walking out bravely with his left arm in a sling.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With England still in the contest, Atkinson heaved Siraj for a six and tried to farm the strike. But Siraj finished it in style \u2014 a searing yorker that clattered Atkinson\u2019s off-stump and triggered euphoric celebrations from the Indian players and travelling fans.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Siraj, who had dropped a vital catch of Harry Brook earlier, spectacularly redeemed himself, ending with figures of 5 for 104 in 30.1 overs. Prasidh Krishna\u2019s 4 for 126 ensured the two pacers accounted for nine of the ten wickets in the innings. \u201cSiraj especially held his nerve when England looked set to win,\u201d said Latif. \u201cThe ball to get Jamie Smith was crucial. And after that, he just didn\u2019t let them breathe.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former Pakistan wicketkeeper also praised the courage of India\u2019s returning star Rishabh Pant, who was reportedly playing through pain in the Manchester Test. \u201cComing back from a near-fatal accident and still standing up to keep wickets and bat under pressure \u2014 that\u2019s inspiring for the team and fans.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He added that India\u2019s depth is becoming a strength, especially as they navigate a new generation: \u201cWith players like Jaiswal scoring big and Pant back, they have options. But there\u2019s still a puzzle around the number three slot. They\u2019ll need to back someone consistently.\u201d <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Latif also reflected briefly on Pakistan\u2019s recent Test struggles, citing selection inconsistencies and leadership concerns: \u201cWe lost to Bangladesh and the West Indies \u2014 games we shouldn\u2019t have lost. Our captain can be good, but juggling formats is tough. There\u2019s talent, but we\u2019re not making the right decisions yet.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He added that India\u2019s depth is becoming a strength, especially as they navigate a new generation: \u201cWith players like Jaiswal scoring big and Pant back, they have options. But there\u2019s still a puzzle around the number three slot. They\u2019ll need to back someone consistently.\u201d <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIndia doesn\u2019t make changes based just on media or social media,\u201d said Latif, backing the leadership. \u201cGill is still learning \u2014 he\u2019s a batting captain, not a bowling one. But with players like Jaiswal and Pant, this team has options. They just need to back someone at No. 3 and build from here.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n