If there is one player who defines the term workhorse in this India vs England test series, it is Mohammed Siraj. The Indian Pacer again showed its class, fitness and fire in the fifth and final test of the Anderson-Detulkar trophy in the Oval, where his spicy spell India brought back into the game after a tough start.
Siraj lifts India after a bad first session
India looked completely out of the game in the morning session on day 2, while England oppers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley the Bowlers hammered for 109 runs in just 16 overs. With Jasprit Bumrah not available, the pressure on Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Akash was deep to control the damage.
But Siraj stepped up when it mattered. After lunch, under cloudy heaven, he delivered an eight-over spell full of energy and intention. He removed Ollie Pope, Joe Root and Jacob Bethell and helped India claw back. The pitch and the weather helped, but it was the control and heart of Siraj that noticed.
Siraj has now played all five tests in the series and has sent more than 150 over eight innings, more than any other Indian pacer. Despite a heavy outing in Manchester, he came back strongly to the ovale and surpassing Bumrah to become the leading Wicket-Taker of India in the series.
Praise from colleague -cricketers
Former India Pacer Varun Aaron was full of praise:
“Mohammed Siraj has one muscle bigger than someone else’s and that is his heart. With such a heart you push through pain and bring such spells.”
Aaron also welcomed Prasidh Krishna, who supported Siraj with important wickets, especially just before tea, including Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton. He finished the day with 4 for 60 before the rain stopped playing.
Stuart Broad, England legend, also admired Siraj’s attitude:
“Siraj is one of those bowlers that you want by your side. He can leak a few points, but he keeps coming to you and gets big wickets.”
Siraj’s passion, fitness and dedication have made him the emotional leader of the pace attack of India in this series.
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