Mohammed Siraj Emerges as Hero in Test Series Win Over England. Mohammed Siraj finished as the highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded ENG vs IND Test series, claiming an impressive 23 wickets across five matches.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain praised Siraj for his outstanding performances, especially highlighting his match-winning effort in the final Test at The Oval. Siraj played a pivotal role in India’s thrilling six-run victory, dismantling England’s batting in the second innings with a fiery five-wicket haul.
On the tense final day, England needed just 35 runs to win with four wickets in hand. Siraj rose to the occasion, taking three of the last four wickets and bowling England out for 367 in their chase of 374. Adding to his second-innings heroics, he had also taken four wickets in the first innings, finishing the match with nine scalps and earning the Player of the Match award.
While India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah missed the second and fifth Tests, Siraj stepped up and led the bowling attack with determination and consistency. He featured in all five games and bowled over 185 overs throughout the series, showcasing endurance and class in equal measure.
Mohammed Siraj efforts were instrumental in India’s comeback and ultimate triumph in the five-match series, underlining his status as one of the top-performing fast bowlers in the current Test circuit.
Mohammed Siraj Channels Shane Warne’s Flair as ‘Pantomime Villain’, Says Nasser Hussain
In his column for the Daily Mail, former England captain Nasser Hussain drew an interesting comparison between India’s fiery pacer Mohammed Siraj and the legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne — highlighting how Siraj occasionally steps into the role of a “pantomime villain” on the field.
“They won two games without Bumrah, and the key factor in both wins was one man — Mohammed Siraj,” Hussain wrote. “He’s a cricketer who gives his all. Sure, he plays the pantomime villain now and then, much like Warney used to. People love to hate him, but he always wears that big, infectious smile.”
Hussain revealed that England players have nicknamed Mohammed Siraj “Mr. Angry” for his intense on-field demeanor and fierce attitude while bowling.
“He’s fiery. The England lads call him Mr. Angry. He’s got the longest follow-through in the history of the game, but he commands your attention,” Hussain added. “You could create a full montage of his dramatic reactions — falling to his knees in despair at Lord’s, wild celebrations, or frustration over DRS calls. He’s a born entertainer.”
But Hussain didn’t stop at Siraj’s showmanship. He emphasized that Siraj possesses everything needed to succeed at the highest level — “heart, passion, and, ultimately, skill.”
Gill and Brook Shine in Series That Ends 2-2: The fiercely contested England vs India Test series concluded in a 2-2 draw. England took the upper hand early, winning the first Test at Headingley by five wickets and the third at Lord’s by 22 runs. India bounced back strongly, dominating the second Test at Edgbaston with a commanding 336-run victory and clinching a nail-biter in the fifth Test at The Oval by just six runs. The fourth Test in Manchester ended in a draw.
Shubman Gill and Harry Brook were named Players of the Series. Gill finished as the leading run-scorer with 754 runs in five matches, smashing four centuries, including a memorable double hundred in Edgbaston.