ENG vs IND 2025: 'India used vaseline' - Former Pakistan player makes ball-tampering claim after India's triumph at The Oval

Former Pakistan cricketer Shabbir Ahmed Khan made a controversial claim following India’s thrilling six-run victory over England in the fifth match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval. With England needing just 35 runs and India requiring four wickets, the visitors put on a stunning performance to level the series 2-2.

However, Shabbir alleged that the Indian team might have tampered the ball, claiming they applied Vaseline on it as the ball appeared shiny even after being in use for over 80 overs. He urged match officials to send the ball to a laboratory for examination. 

India successfully defended the small target, thanks to a match-winning spell from Mohammed Siraj, who took five wickets, and Prasidh Krishna, who claimed four.

On the final day at The Oval, India needed four wickets, with Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton holding the fort for England. Overton briefly ignited hope with two consecutive boundaries, reducing the target to just 27 runs. However, Mohammed Siraj struck back with a sharp outswinger to dismiss Smith, and soon after trapped Overton lbw, putting India just two wickets away from a famous win.

Despite the new ball being available, India chose to continue with the old one, which was swinging nicely. Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue took charge, adding tension with a fighting stand. Atkinson even launched a six, narrowing the gap to just 11 runs. But Prasidh Krishna produced a crucial breakthrough, bowling Tongue with a deceptive delivery.

With England down to their final wicket, Chris Woakes walked out to bat with one arm in a sling. Still, he managed to support Atkinson by running between the wickets. England edged closer, needing just seven runs to seal the series.

Then came the moment of glory as Siraj returned to bowl the 86th over and delivered a perfect yorker to Atkinson, uprooting the stumps and sealing a stunning six-run win for India. The victory leveled the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy to 2-2. Siraj was named Player of the Match for his sensational nine-wicket haul. He also emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the series, finishing with 23 wickets.