IND vs ENG: Why did the Indian team not take the new ball on the fifth day?

The Indian team defeated England by 6 runs in a thrilling match played at the Oval. Team India restricted England to 35 runs on the last day and took four wickets to register the closest win in terms of runs in their Test history.

IND vs ENG: Why did the Indian team not take the new ball on the fifth day?

With this win, the Indian team leveled the five-match series 2-2. Interestingly, the Indian team did not use the second new ball even though it was available after 22 balls. The new ball swings more in bowler-friendly conditions, but Indian captain Shubman Gill explained the main reason for not using it.

In the post-match press conference, Shubman Gill pointed out that both Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna were bowling brilliantly with the old ball and hence it was decided that there was no need to buy a new ball.

Gill said, 'We had the option of taking a second new ball. But the way Siraj and Prasidh were bowling, we did not feel that a new ball was needed. Even though the ball was 80 overs old, we knew that they could get us wickets. We knew that there was a lot of pressure on England.'

Mohammad Siraj was chosen as the Man of the Match and Gill was named Player of the Series

Mohammad Siraj ensured India's victory by taking five wickets in the second innings of the Oval Test. Siraj ended England's innings by bowling out Gus Atkinson. Siraj took a total of 9 wickets in the match and was named Player of the Match for his brilliant performance. Siraj took 23 wickets in five matches in the current series.

At the same time, Indian captain Shubman Gill was awarded the Player of the Series title. Gill scored 754 runs with the help of four centuries in 10 innings of five matches. The double century scored at Edgbaston is included in this. Harry Brook received the Player of the Series award from England, who scored 481 runs in 9 innings.