Drama unfolded on Day 4 of the fifth and final Test at The Oval when a moment of lapse by Mohammed Siraj left the Indian camp visibly shaken. During a tense passage of play, Siraj caught Harry Brook at the long-leg boundary but stepped back and inadvertently touched the boundary cushions, converting what should’ve been a wicket into six crucial runs for England. It was a moment that not only changed the score but perhaps shifted the momentum of the match.
Prasidh Krishna, who had already begun celebrating what looked like a vital breakthrough, was left stunned. Siraj stood motionless, face in hands, clearly gutted by the error. The expression on his face said it all — a mix of regret, disbelief, and helplessness. The very next delivery, he was still recovering emotionally, and the weight of the mistake was hard to ignore.
Inside the Indian dressing room, head coach Gautam Gambhir’s reaction mirrored the mood. He leaned forward, buried his face in his palms, and shook his head in frustration. Cameras caught the emotional moment, and the clip quickly spread across social media, igniting debates and sympathies alike.
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Later, a visibly remorseful Siraj was seen apologising to Prasidh Krishna, acknowledging the impact of the missed opportunity. Brook, meanwhile, capitalised on his reprieve. England were reeling at 106/3 chasing 374, but Brook’s fearless counterpunch changed the game’s complexion.
Out? Six!?
What’s Siraj done 😱 pic.twitter.com/hp6io4X27l
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 3, 2025
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) August 3, 2025
After India struck early on Day 4 — with Krishna dismissing Ben Duckett and Siraj trapping Ollie Pope LBW — the hosts were on the back foot. But Brook’s aggressive 48-run blitz in just over 10 overs alongside Joe Root brought England right back into the contest.
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His boundary spree included clean hits off Akash Deep and a sliced four past gully off Krishna. The missed catch turned into a game-changing moment, with Brook’s counterattack putting the Indian pacers under pressure.
With England now 210 runs away and the partnership growing, Siraj’s boundary-touch moment may well prove pivotal in deciding the fate of this thrilling series finale.
