Mohammed Siraj has truly etched his name in the hearts of Indian cricket fans after a spirited performance that helped India square the five-match Test series against England 2-2. In a tour full of drama, nerves, and brilliance, Siraj stood out not just for his wickets but for his sheer emotional investment in every delivery.
With 23 wickets across the series, Siraj emerged as one of India’s key match-winners. His six-wicket haul at Edgbaston and a fiery five-over spell at The Oval were standout moments, but his intensity often spilt over, most notably during a fiery exchange with Ben Duckett that led to a shoulder brush and a reprimand for his send-off.
But cricket, like life, isn’t always fair. Siraj’s dismissal as the final Indian wicket at Lord’s came heartbreakingly, sealing a narrow win for England. Later, a dropped catch off Harry Brook in the final Test — which turned into a match-defining century — left him visibly crushed.
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However, Siraj’s story came full circle on the final day of the series. With England needing just 35 runs and four wickets in hand, Siraj turned predator again, helping India seal a famous win and draw the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain was among those who lauded the Hyderabad pacer. Drawing parallels with the late Shane Warne, Hussain noted how Siraj plays the game with flair, fire, and drama. “Siraj is that pantomime villain — like Warney — someone you love to hate, but also love to watch,” Hussain wrote in the Daily Mail. “He brings energy, entertainment, and crucially, world-class skill.”
Hussain emphasised how Siraj has evolved as a bowler. Once known primarily for his hit-the-deck style and wobble seam that troubled batters like Joe Root, he now swings the ball both ways. “He’s developed genuine outswing. Shubman Gill even avoided the second new ball because of it,” Hussain remarked.
Siraj’s death-touch yorker to Zak Crawley late on Day 3, and then another against Gus Atkinson under immense pressure with the match on the line, showed his growing maturity.
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Hussain didn’t hold back in his praise for the series either, calling it the finest since the 2005 Ashes. “The fifth morning was so dramatic, it felt unscripted — the best series I’ve watched since 2005.”
