India ended Day 2 of the fifth Test at The Oval on a solid note, reaching 75 for 2 in their second innings and securing a lead of 52 runs with three full days still to be played. After being bowled out for 224 in the morning session, thanks to a gritty 57 from Karun Nair, India’s bowlers turned the game around with a fiery response, bundling out England for 247.

The pace duo of Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna stole the spotlight with four wickets apiece. While Krishna made early inroads, Siraj returned to spearhead the attack and delivered decisive blows in the middle order. England, who had cruised to 129 for 1 at one stage, suffered a dramatic collapse.

The opening stand between Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley had looked ominous, as they smashed 92 runs in under 13 overs on a seaming pitch. But once Crawley fell, India clawed their way back into the contest.

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Mohammed Siraj, operating as the senior-most pacer in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah—who was rested for workload management—produced a standout performance. He dismissed key batters Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Harry Brook to flip the momentum completely in India’s favour. His figures of 4 for 86 in 16.2 overs underlined his impact and maturity as a leader of the bowling unit.

With this effort, Siraj etched his name in the history books by becoming the first Indian to take multiple four-wicket hauls at The Oval. His previous feat came during the 2023 World Test Championship final, where he took 4 for 108 against Australia.

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Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif praised Siraj’s spirited effort on X, saying, “Mohammed Siraj doesn’t get the due he deserves. His never-say-die attitude brings the crowd to the stadium. What a true India champion.”

Mohammed Siraj doesn’t get the due he deserves. his never say die attitude brings crowd to the stadium, what a true india champion.

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 1, 2025

Mohammed Siraj’s bowling figures at The Oval in Tests: