Mohammad Siraj: Fiery Five-Wicket Haul Seals Historic Victory at The Oval.
London, Monday – At The Oval, Mohammad Siraj emerged as the undisputed hero as India secured a dramatic six-run victory over England in the fifth and final Test, thereby leveling the fiercely contested series at 2-2.
Siraj’s fiery spell saw India take the last four English wickets in under an hour, bowling them out for 367 and etching his name into the record books with a five-wicket haul.
Final-Day Drama: Siraj Rises Under Pressure
England began the final day at 339-6, needing just 35 more runs to seal the series. The atmosphere at The Oval was electric, with fans from both sides holding their breath through every delivery.
But it was Siraj, charging in with relentless pace and passion, who tore through England’s lower order.
- He first removed Jamie Smith, who had looked steady at the crease.
- Next to fall was Jamie Overton, undone by a sharp delivery.
- With England still in sight of victory, Gus Atkinson walked in—only to be clean bowled by Siraj, who sealed the match and the series draw sensationally.
India’s Grit and Siraj’s Brilliance.
India’s win was not just a testament to individual brilliance but also to the team’s fighting spirit. Defending a modest target, the Indian bowlers showed immense character. But it was Siraj, with his 5/104, who stole the spotlight.
This victory holds immense significance for us. After the match, Siraj expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his teammates and support staff. “We were never out of it. We believed we could win, and we did.”
Series Highlights
- 1st Test: England took a commanding win.
- 2nd Test: India fought back with solid all-round performances.
- 3rd Test: England is again at the top of the series.
- 4th Test: Draw.
- 5th Test: India pulled off one of the most significant Test wins in recent memory.
With this victory, India not only salvaged the series but also made a statement about their resilience and depth in quick bowling, especially with Mohammad Siraj emerging as a match-winner on English soil.
Siraj Stars as India Stuns England to Draw the Series.
Pace Sensation Delivers Match-Winning Spell in Thrilling Finish
Mohammad Siraj emerged as India’s match-winner with a fiery spell of quick bowling as India clinched a dramatic victory over England to draw the series level. In a contest filled with momentum swings, Siraj’s late burst proved decisive, helping India seal a thrilling win and end the series on an equal footing.
A Game-Changing Spell.
With England chasing a target that had looked within reach for most of the innings, Mohammed Siraj turned the tide with a series of devastating deliveries.
Firstly, he dismissed the well-established Smith, followed by dismissing Overton with a brilliant in-swinger. Just when England hoped for a final stand, Siraj clean bowled Atkinson, triggering wild celebrations from the Indian team.
Siraj finished with match figures that underlined his growing stature as one of India’s leading pace bowlers.
“It was about sticking to my strengths—hit the deck, stay aggressive, and believe in myself,” said Siraj in the post-match presentation. “This win means a lot for the team. Everyone gave their all.”
Team India’s Grit Shines Through.
Despite being under pressure earlier in the match, the Indian team displayed resilience and determination. The batting unit had put up a fighting total, with key contributions from the middle order.
The bowlers then held their nerves, especially in the final session, to pull off a memorable win.
Series Drawn, Momentum Gained.
This result means that the series ends in a draw, but the final test win gives India valuable momentum ahead of future challenges. With bowlers like Siraj leading from the front, India’s pace attack looks in fearsome form.
Reactions and praises.
Captain Rohit Sharma lauded Siraj’s performance:
“Siraj was brilliant. His energy, discipline, and ability to strike under pressure were precisely what we needed. It’s a proud moment for the whole team.”
Cricket fans and analysts also flooded social media, praising Siraj’s heroic effort and India’s spirited comeback.
With this performance, Mohammad Siraj not only helped India avoid a series loss but also reaffirmed his position as a clutch performer in high-pressure situations. The match will be remembered as one of Siraj’s finest outings in an Indian jersey.
Captain Shubman Gill Reacts
Indian captain Shubman Gill couldn’t hold back his praise:
“What a phenomenal effort by Siraj. He showed what it means to play for the country. Winning from that position requires courage, and today the entire team demonstrated it.
India’s win at The Oval will be remembered as one of the most thrilling in recent Test history.
Mohammed Siraj’s final spell, full of fire and finesse, ensured that the series ended 2-2, giving cricket fans around the world a Test match for the ages.