Media365
NEW DELHI: Mohammed Siraj was the standout performer as India edged out England by just six runs in a gripping fifth Test at The Oval on Monday, bringing a dramatic Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series to a 2-2 finish.England began the final day needing only 35 more runs with four wickets in hand to complete a stunning chase of 374. But in a session filled with high tension, India turned the match around spectacularly, with Siraj taking 3 for 9 in a sensational spell to finish with 5 for 104.Following the thrilling win, former captain Virat Kohli took to social media to praise the team and Siraj in particular.“Great win by team India. Resilience and determination from Siraj and Prasidh has given us this phenomenal victory. Special mention to Siraj who will put everything on the line for the team. Extremely happy for him,” Kohli wrote.
India were without pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the final Test, sticking to their decision to play the world’s top-ranked Test bowler in only three matches during the five-game series.Siraj, however, stepped up when it mattered most. Having featured in every Test, the pacer finished as the series’ leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets at an average of 32.43.On Day 5, Siraj struck early, removing Jamie Smith with his third delivery of the morning—caught behind after a nervy poke. He then trapped Jamie Overton lbw for nine with a delivery that darted in sharply.
Josh Tongue was bowled by Prasidh Krishna, leaving India one wicket away. Fittingly, it was Siraj who delivered the final blow, sealing India’s narrowest-ever win in Test cricket.“From day one to here, everyone fought so hard so we are very happy,” Siraj said.“I just wanted to make sure I hit the right areas, the wickets would fall, and anything else would be a bonus. When I woke up I believed I could do it,” he added.
