Why Jacob Bethell needs time, the big Ashes calls facing England... and don't tell me Test cricket is dying - BUMBLE ON THE TEST

A thrilling conclusion to the fifth and final Test saw Mohammed Siraj inspire India to victory against England, with the series ending in a 2-2 draw.

England needed 35 runs to win when play resumed on Monday at the Oval, only for Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue to fall.

It led to Chris Woakes walking out with his left arm in a sling to protect his injured shoulder, as Gus Atkinson attempted to steer England to victory.

Siraj ultimately bowled Atkinson to guide India to victory by six runs, concluding a gripping series between the teams.

Mail Sport's David Lloyd - AKA Bumble – was among those left gripped by the action on the final day.

In the latest edition of Bumble on the Test, he offers his thoughts on some of the key talking points following the match and the series itself.

Don't tell me Test cricket is dying 

What a game. What a series. I was glued to that on Monday and in the end, a draw is a fair reflection on the series. 

This was the kind of contest that had me missing my playing days. Don’t ever tell me that Test cricket is dying or that it’s dead. 

The players of both sides can take a massive bow for providing us with such a spectacle.

Passionate Siraj comes of age for India 

A coming of age for Mohammed Siraj. 

From the moment he dropped that catch, the response was unreal with such passion and endeavour in every over he bowled. It was the moment said to himself that this is down to me. 

The lad was bowling for the whole nation and was the main reason why India won this Test. What a competitor.

Bethell needs time despite mind blowing dismissal

I feel for Jacob Bethell. With the game seemingly won, the irresponsible shot from him on day four was mind blowing. 

In mitigating circumstances, he just hasn’t batted enough this summer. The young lad is a victim of the system that plucks in players with barely any first-class experience. 

Bethell is talented but needs time in the middle.

Valiant Woakes battles through the pain barrier 

When Chris Woakes came out to bat, he looked like an Egyptian mummy. Whatever was under that sweater, it beggars belief. 

Credit to Woakes because that was a valiant effort. You could see the pain etched on his face and Gus Atkinson did wonderfully well to shield him. But it wasn’t to be and Siraj had the last word. Of course he did.

Nothing comes close to the five-day game

Now it’s time for The Hundred to take priority in August. With all that money coming in, you can see why but it’s a shame that we’re done with Test cricket for the summer. 

I hope you agree with me that nothing, and I mean nothing, comes close to the five-day game - especially when it’s played like we’ve seen over the last six weeks.

India's love of the game can only be a good thing

Seeing the Indian players doing their lap of honour, you could see what it means to the players. Even the supporters have been great. 

We’ve seen it before but cricket really is the be all and end all for them. It’s a legacy passed down through families and long may it continue. That love for our game can only ever be a good thing.

England facing big Ashes calls 

Looking ahead to The Ashes, it’s a question of who’s vulnerable for England. 

The opening pair are nailed on but Ollie Pope must be looking over his shoulder. Gus Atkinson has shown his credentials and I wonder if they’ll stick with Shoaib Bashir. 

Ricky Ponting says he is a must down under and I tend to agree with Ricky.