IND vs ENG 5th Test: ‘I downloaded belief’ – Mohammed Siraj reveals photo that inspired Oval heroics |Watch | Cricket News
Mohammed Siraj was the hero India needed. With England needing just 35 runs and four wickets in hand on the final day at The Oval, Siraj charged in with a plan, a quiet belief, and a memory of his late father driving him on. “When I woke up today, I thought I could do it. I downloaded a picture from Google saying ‘believe’,” Siraj revealed after India’s thrilling 6-run win that helped them draw the five-match series 2-2.
The morning didn’t start ideally for India, as Jamie Overton struck back-to-back boundaries off Prasidh Krishna. But Siraj, bowling with fire from the first over, dismissed Jamie Smith with a delivery that shaped away and caught the edge. Dhruv Jurel completed a sharp take, sending the Oval crowd into a frenzy. Siraj then trapped Overton LBW in his next over and with support from Prasidh, who bowled Josh Tongue, England were suddenly nine down.Chris Woakes came out bravely, batting left-handed with a tied-up broken arm. But it was all down to Gus Atkinson. He struck a six, edged closer to the target, and kept Woakes off strike.
Poll
Was the win against England at The Oval one of India’s greatest Test match victories?
But Siraj had the final say. He bowled Atkinson with a perfect yorker to seal the win. “Lord’s was heartbreaking,” Siraj said. “Jaddu bhai told me to back my defence and remember my dad. That’s what I did.” Nine wickets, a day full of heart, and a performance for the ages. Siraj didn’t just win a match. He earned memories that will last forever.
