Brendon McCullum Wanted Siraj, But Gill Got POTS Award – What Really Happened Behind the Scenes; Check Here
Brendon McCullum wanted to pick Siraj as Player of the Series over Shubman Gill after Oval Test, but it was too late.
The India vs England Test series had drama, twists, and surprises, both on and off the field. And just when fans thought the final day at The Oval had wrapped things up, England coach Brendon McCullum added one more twist.
According to former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik, McCullum had originally chosen Shubman Gill as his Player of the Series. But after watching Mohammed Siraj’s stunning Day 5 spell that sealed a six-run win for India, McCullum wanted to change his vote.
Gill Was the Original Pick
“If the match had gotten over yesterday, Shubman Gill was the man of the series,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz.
“Brendon McCullum had said Shubman Gill. Everything was ready, the questions, the script, all for Gill.”
Gill had a brilliant series with the bat, scoring 754 runs in five Tests. He was India’s top run-scorer and looked set to receive the award.
But on the final morning, as England came close to chasing 374, Siraj changed the game. He picked up 5 for 69 and ran through the lower order, helping India level the series 2-2.
McCullum Changed His Mind, But It Was Too Late
Karthik revealed that within 30 to 40 minutes, McCullum completely flipped his vote.
“Baz McCullum turned it around… to Mohammed Siraj,” Karthik said. “He even praised him in the post-match chat on Sky Sports, saying how he loved watching Siraj bowl.”
In England, the Player of the Series awards in bilateral Tests are picked by opposition coaches. McCullum and India’s Gautam Gambhir gave their votes a day earlier, expecting the match to end on Day 4.
McCullum had voted for Gill. Gambhir picked Harry Brook, who had nearly taken the game away from India with his counterattack.
“Siraj Stepped Up When It Mattered Most”
Speaking on Sky Sports, McCullum praised Siraj’s fire and energy.
“He’s got that spirit you want to see in a fast bowler,” McCullum said.
“There was energy every time he had the ball. One of those spells that can change a series, and today, it really did.”
Siraj had played all five Tests and was a tireless performer throughout. With Bumrah missing the fifth match, Siraj led the attack and delivered big.
