It was all about Mohammed Siraj, who totally thumped the Three Lions. He not only fulfilled the wish of all the fans at The Oval, but also kept his word to Jasprit Bumrah in spectacular fashion, delivering a match-winning five-wicket haul that led India to a thrilling victory in the fifth Test against England. His fiery spell helped India snatch a dramatic six-run win on the final day, levelling the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy series 2-2.
With Bumrah rested and released from the squad ahead of the match, Siraj stepped up when it mattered most. Across both innings, he claimed nine wickets (4/86 in the first innings and 5/33 in the second), proving the difference in a contest that went right down to the wire.
Speaking after the match, Siraj revealed a light-hearted exchange he’d had with Bumrah before the Test began. “Jassi bhai ko ye bola tha, bhaiya aap ja kyu rahe ho? Mai 5 wicket leke aake kisko hug karu? Toh unhone bola mai hu idhar hi, tu bas 5 wicket lele,” Siraj shared on BCCI.tv. ("I asked Jassi, brother, why are you going? Who’ll I hug if I take five wickets? He just said, ‘Don’t worry, I’m here , you just go and get those five wickets.’")
The final day saw England needing just 35 runs to win the series, with four wickets in hand. But Siraj and Prasidh Krishna turned the match on its head. Siraj removed the dangerous Jamie Smith early in his spell and later dismissed Jamie Overton, piling pressure on the hosts. Krishna’s pinpoint yorker cleaned up Josh Tongue for a duck, leaving England’s hopes resting on Gus Atkinson and an injured Chris Woakes, who bravely came out to bat left-handed.
In the end, Siraj fittingly finished the job himself, outfoxing Atkinson to complete his five-for and seal an unforgettable win for India. It was a performance that not only honoured his promise to Bumrah but also cemented his place as one of India’s true match-winners.