WATCH: Mohammed Siraj breaks down as India seal stunning win at The Oval
Mohammed Siraj breaks down in tears as India pull off a thrilling six-run win at The Oval to level the series against England in a dramatic final Test.
New Delhi: Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj was in tears after helping India clinch a six-run triumph over England in a tense fifth and final Test to level the series. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy certainly had its share of drama across all five games.
Siraj ended the day with a five-wicket haul in the second innings and nine wickets overall in the match. Overall in the series across five Tests reflected in his numbers as well, returning with 23 wickets to go equal with Jasprit Bumrah as an Indian bowler with most wickets in a Test series in England. He dismissed the last man standing, Gus Atkinson and collapsed to the turf moments later and was soon surrounded by his teammates.
Siraj strikes early, pressure mounts on England
Earlier in the day, England began at 35 with four wickets in hand. The 31-year-old stepped in with a completely different mindset, evident from his very first delivery. He removed Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton in two overs, piling pressure on the Lions, who had started the day believing the victory was theirs.
Prasidh Krishna then trapped Josh Tongue to get the ninth wicket. Chris Woakes, with a dislocated left arm, walked in to support the last man standing Atkinson. Atkinson gave it all as he brought the target to single digits. Despite a few lifelines, Siraj finally cleaned him up with a yorker followed by a thunderous Cristiano Ronaldo 'Siuuu' celebration.
With this victory, India didn’t just level the series they clawed their way back from the brink. As the match seemed to slip away, a spell of rain brought a glimmer of hope and stretched the contest into Day 5. After a costly drop of Harry Brook on Day 4 shifted the momentum, Siraj returned with unshakable belief and turned the tide. For his relentless bowling display and scalping nine wickets, he also bags the Player of the Match award in the fifth Test.
As the stumps flew and the final wicket fell, the Men in Blue erupted not just for a win but for a comeback that will be remembered for years.