Ex-Pakistan Cricketer Accuses Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Others of Ball-Tampering at The Oval
The explosive claim comes after India’s dominant bowling display in the fifth Test against England
India’s thrilling six-run win in the fifth Test at The Oval, which helped level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2, was not just about skill it was about strategy. A key decision late in the game refusing the new ball after 80 overs proved vital as reverse swing with the old ball brought India back into the contest.
On Day 5, the pitch offered just enough assistance to bowlers to counter England’s deep batting lineup. With England needing only 35 runs and four wickets in hand, India’s bowlers led by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna used reverse swing to great effect. Siraj’s lethal spell reduced England from 301/4 to 367 all out, turning the game on its head.
Siraj, who finished with 5/69 in the final innings and 23 wickets in the series, was deservedly named Player of the Match. His outstanding consistency across the five Tests also lifted him 12 spots to 15th in the latest ICC Test Bowler Rankings. Krishna, too, made a mark, jumping 25 places to 59th after an eight-wicket haul in the match.
However, the dramatic final day wasn’t without controversy. Former Pakistan fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed accused India of ball tampering, alleging that Vaseline was used to maintain reverse swing. In a now-viral post on X, he called for the ball to be lab-tested an accusation that has not been taken up by officials.
Despite the noise, the cricket world largely celebrated India’s disciplined tactics and Siraj’s magical spell. His performances including 6/70 in Birmingham and match-defining hauls at The Oval silenced critics and revived the “Miyan Magic” narrative around the pacer.
India’s refusal to take the new ball might go down as one of the most significant tactical decisions in recent Test history one that secured a dramatic series draw and reinforced India’s bowling depth even without Jasprit Bumrah.
