Morne Morkel, India's bowling coach, has lauded Mohammed Siraj for his natural leadership qualities and fiery attitude, particularly highlighting his impact on Day 4 of the ongoing fifth Test against England at The Oval. Morkel's praise comes after Siraj spearheaded a spirited comeback by the Indian pacers, injecting much-needed energy into the team.
Siraj's performance in the series has been remarkable, having played all five Tests and bowling a significant number of overs. As of Day 4, he is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 20 scalps. Morkel revealed that the team management had checked in with Siraj regarding his physical and mental well-being before The Oval Test, but Siraj brushed aside any concerns and expressed his determination to play and win for the team. Morkel emphasized that Siraj understands and embraces the responsibility of leading the attack, especially in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
On Day 4, with England threatening to take the game away, Siraj once again stepped up, displaying his characteristic intensity and skill. He bowled with pace and aggression, unsettling the English batsmen and creating crucial breakthroughs. One notable moment was the dismissal of Ollie Pope, who was leading England in place of the injured Ben Stokes. Siraj trapped Pope lbw with a ball that kept low and nipped back, further solidifying his position as a key strike bowler.
Throughout the series, Siraj has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and lift the team's spirits. Morkel noted that Siraj leads by example, with his actions inspiring the rest of the bowling unit. Whether it's bowling an extra spell or energizing the crowd, Siraj's presence has been invaluable to the Indian team.
On Day 2 of the Test, Siraj also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar in total international wickets taken. This feat underscores his growing stature in international cricket and his ability to consistently deliver match-winning performances. Siraj's current tally stands at 203 international wickets, surpassing Tendulkar's 201.
Alongside Siraj, Prasidh Krishna has also played a vital role in India's bowling attack. Together, they became the fifth Indian pair to take 4+ wicket hauls in a Test match in England. This is Siraj's second time on the list, achieving the same feat with Akash Deep in the Birmingham Test of the same series. Krishna's comeback into the playing XI has been impressive, showcasing his resilience and adding depth to India's pace options.
Despite the positive performance from the Indian pacers, Morkel acknowledged the strain on the three-man pace attack and hinted at a potential review of the team's selection strategy after the series. The absence of a fourth specialist quick has raised questions, especially with Siraj, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna shouldering a heavy workload.
As the Test heads into its final stages, India needs four wickets to win the Oval Test, while England require 35 runs. The series currently stands at 2-2, and a win for India would result in a series draw. The efforts of Mohammed Siraj and the other Indian pacers have set the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
