The Kennington Oval was ablaze with excitement on Saturday as Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj stole the show with a stunning wicket of Zak Crawley—and celebrated in a style that left fans and commentators buzzing: by emulating football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Siu’ celebration.
The perfect end to a dramatic day
As the shadows lengthened on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test between England and India, the tension at The Oval was palpable. England, set a daunting target of 374, had started their chase confidently, with openers Crawley and Ben Duckett putting on a solid 50-run stand. But with just one delivery left in the day, Siraj’s moment arrived.
Displaying tactical finesse backed by Indian skipper Shubman Gill’s sharp cricketing mind, Siraj set the field to suggest a bouncer was coming—a deep square-leg reinforced the ruse. Crawley, anticipating the short ball, was caught completely off guard when Siraj unleashed a textbook slower yorker. The ball dipped late, sneaked under Crawley’s bat, and sent the off stump cartwheeling, triggering wild celebrations as the crowd roared their approval.
Mohammed Siraj’s ‘Siu’ celebration goes viral
But it was what came next that sent the Oval—and the internet—into overdrive. As his teammates converged to celebrate the critical breakthrough, Siraj broke into Ronaldo’s trademark ‘Siu’ celebration—leaping in the air, spinning mid-air, and landing with arms spread wide, much to the delight of fans in the stands and millions watching worldwide. The move, beloved by football fans, has seen a growing trend among cricketers emulating football celebrations, blending two of the world’s most popular sports.
Here’s the video:
Crawley didn’t want another over; Siraj made sure of it 🤷♂️ #SonySportsNetwork #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings | @mdsirajofficial pic.twitter.com/uWi1v0CNYA
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 2, 2025
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England’s openers stifled, India senses comeback
The wicket could not have come at a better time for India. Crawley’s cautious 14 off 36 balls had given England a secure start, but Siraj’s late intervention left England 50/1 at stumps—still needing 324 runs with nine wickets in hand. As fans and pundits dissected the wicket, praise also poured in for Gill’s leadership and strategic thinking, with commentators highlighting how the field changes set up the perfect bluff, luring Crawley into a trap he didn’t see coming.
Not only did the moment revive India’s hopes of levelling the series, but it also energized the crowd and the team as they returned to the dressing room with momentum on their side heading into a potentially decisive Day 4.
Also READ: Deadlock in Oval as England and India exchange blows on Day 3 of the Oval Test