England head coach Brendon McCullum has openly admitted that India “deserved” their thrilling and hard-fought victory in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, a result that leveled the series 2-2 in what he described as one of the best Test series he has ever witnessed. This dramatic match, played over six captivating weeks, ended with India securing a memorable six-run win, thanks largely to a stunning late bowling spell by pacer Mohammed Siraj.

Coming into the final day, England appeared poised for victory, needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand to seal a 3-1 series win. Instead, India delivered a remarkable fightback. Siraj’s heroic performance, bowling at speeds around 90 mph and taking three crucial wickets during the tense final session, won him special praise from McCullum. “Mohammed Siraj has the absolute heart of a lion to bowl 90mph in his 30th over of his fifth Test match. It’s quite an incredible effort,” McCullum said, highlighting Siraj’s stamina and fighting spirit under pressure.

McCullum reflected on how the series oscillated dramatically, describing it as the most intense and engaging five-match Test series he has been part of. “There was hostility at times, camaraderie at times, great cricket at times, and some average cricket because of the pressure both teams were put under. We knew it was going to be hard coming into the series. They tested us physically and mentally,” he told Sky Sports Cricket. The series tested both squads beyond expectations, demanding deep reserves of resilience and character.

Though disappointed at the close defeat, McCullum conceded that India was the better side in the final moments. “As much as we got ourselves in a winning position this Test, I feel like they deserved to win. They played better cricket,” he acknowledged. He praised India’s stoicism and grit throughout the series, noting that England threw everything at them but that the visitors’ composure ultimately made the difference.

Injury challenges also took a toll on England’s campaign, with McCullum noting the absence of several top players due to fitness concerns. “It’s the hardest thing in cricket — playing a five-match series and being tested as much as you are, for as long as you are. It tests you not just as a sportsperson but as a character because it questions how much you want it,” he said.

Looking ahead, McCullum emphasized the opportunity to learn from the series as England prepares for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia later in 2025. “We’ll let this one sit, we’ll digest it. We’ll be able to pick out what has gone well then start to work out how we can keep improving so, when we do arrive out in Australia, we give ourselves a huge chance,” he explained. Despite the disappointment of the last match, McCullum expressed pride in his squad’s efforts and the competitive nature of the entire series.

The Oval Test and the full series have been hailed by experts, players, and fans alike as an epic contest demonstrating world-class Test cricket at its finest. The tightly contested 2-2 series draw leaves both teams with takeaways and motivation to elevate their games further.

In summary, England coach Brendon McCullum’s admission that India deserved the Oval Test victory reflects not only respect for the opposing team’s performance but also a realistic appraisal of England’s areas for improvement. The series showcased the physical and mental demands of elite Test cricket, setting a high benchmark for future contests. As England transitions focus to the Ashes, the lessons learned from this challenging yet exhilarating series will be crucial in shaping their approach and performance on Australian soil.

Next steps for England will involve detailed analysis of this series, addressing injury concerns, and strategic planning to convert tightly contested moments into consistent match-winning performances going forward. The cricketing world will keenly watch how both teams build on this memorable encounter for upcoming international challenges.