Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has once again showcased his never-give-up attitude in the fifth Test against England at the Oval. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj has shouldered the responsibility of leading India’s bowling attack, delivering marathon spells and keeping his side in the hunt.
He was outstanding in the first innings with figures of 4/86 to bowl out England for 247. In the second innings, he continued his tireless effort, bowling 26 overs and picking up two crucial wickets despite the pressure of a demanding contest. His lion-hearted performance has been one of the major highlights of the series.
Joe Root heaps praises on Mohammed Siraj
England star Joe Root showered praise on Siraj for his fighting spirit and commitment. He described Siraj as a ‘real warrior’ and the kind of player every team would want in their ranks. Root emphasized how the Indian pacer gives everything for his side, irrespective of the match situation, and credited his determined approach as a key reason behind his success in the series.
“He’s a character, a warrior, he’s a real warrior. He’s someone that you want on your team; he’s that kind of character. He gives everything for India, and credit to him for that,” Root said at the end of Day 4.
Root further highlighted Siraj’s skill and attitude. He praised Siraj’s work ethic, exceptional skill level, and ability to constantly challenge opposition batters. According to Root, Siraj’s smiling demeanor despite intense battles makes him an excellent role model for young cricketers who wish to learn the value of passion and perseverance.
“He’s got this fake angriness about him sometimes, which I can see straight through. He’s actually a really nice lad, but he tries it incredibly hard. He’s a very skillful player; there’s a reason why he’s got all those wickets. It’s because of his work ethic and skill level. I enjoy playing against him. He’s a great example for any young player starting out,” added Root.
England on verge of winning 5th Test
The fifth Test is delicately balanced, but England hold the upper hand. Chasing 374, they ended Day 4 on 339/6, needing just 35 more runs to win the match and seal the series 3-1. Jamie Smith (2*) and Jamie Overton (0*) will resume the chase on Day 5, while India will hope for an early breakthrough to script a dramatic turnaround.