Mohammed Siraj Has One Muscle Bigger Than the Rest — His Heart: Indian Pacer Earns High Praise
Mohammed Siraj earns praise for his fiery spell at The Oval in the 5th Test vs England, completing a full five-Test series and becoming India's top wicket-taker.
If there’s one player who defines the term workhorse in this India vs England Test series, it’s Mohammed Siraj. The Indian pacer once again showed his class, fitness, and fire in the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval, where his spirited spell brought India back into the contest after a tough start.
Siraj Lifts India After Poor First Session
India looked completely out of the game in the morning session on Day 2, as England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley hammered the bowlers for 109 runs in just 16 overs. With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, the pressure was on Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep to control the damage.
But Siraj stepped up when it mattered. After lunch, under cloudy skies, he delivered an eight-over spell filled with energy and intent. He removed Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Jacob Bethell, helping India claw their way back. The pitch and weather helped, but it was Siraj’s control and heart that stood out.
Siraj has now played all five Tests of the series, sending down more than 150 overs across eight innings, more than any other Indian pacer. Despite a tough outing in Manchester, he came back strong at The Oval and surpassed Bumrah to become India’s leading wicket-taker in the series.
Praise from Fellow Cricketers
Former India pacer Varun Aaron was full of praise:
“Mohammed Siraj has one muscle bigger than anybody else’s and that’s his heart. With a heart like that, you push through pain and deliver spells like this.”
Aaron also applauded Prasidh Krishna, who supported Siraj with key wickets, especially right before tea, including Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton. He ended the day with 4 for 60 before rain stopped play.
Stuart Broad, England legend, also admired Siraj’s attitude:
“Siraj is one of those bowlers you want on your side. He may leak a few runs, but he keeps coming at you and gets big wickets.”
Siraj’s passion, fitness, and commitment have made him the emotional leader of India’s pace attack in this series.
