Varun Aaron defines Mohammed Siraj's herocics at Oval [Source: @Crick_logist, @StarSportsIndia/X.com]
Mohammed Siraj bowled a relentless spell on Day 2 of the fifth Test between India and England to help his team recover from early setbacks. He grabbed a four-wicket-haul, and the sheer commitment moved former cricketer Varun Aaron.
After getting bowled out for 224 runs in the first inning, India were attacked by Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett on Day 2. Their scoring rate of above 6 rattled the Indian pacers, including Siraj, who was getting hammered until the lunch break.
Varun Aaron Praises India’s Lion-Hearted Warrior, Siraj
Mohamed Siraj, playing his 5th Test on the trot, bowled an 8-over tiring spell with sheer intensity and commitment. He hit the appropriate lengths to create movement off the pitch and fool the English hitters, and he appeared more disciplined in his execution.
Siraj sent top batsmen like Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Jacob Bethell back to the pavilion, playing a vital role in dismissing England for 247. His four-wicket-haul forced the world to stand up and take notice.
Former Indian cricketer turned analyst Varun Aaron, in his JioHotstar show, said Siraj tends to bowl with a lot of heart, which sets him apart from his peers and counterparts.
"Mohammed Siraj has one muscle that is bigger than anyone else - his heart," Aaron said.
Despite an excessive workload of 5 Tests looming over his back, Siraj hasn’t looked tired, and the intensity hasn’t dropped even for a simple moment. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, the 31-year-old has shouldered the responsibility to perfection and will be key in deciding the fate of this crucial fifth and final Test.
Mohammed Siraj Becomes Leading Wicket-Taker
With that sensational four-wicket-haul at The Oval, Mohammed Siraj has emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The Indian pacer now has 18 wickets in the five-match Test series, surpassing England captain Ben Stokes, who has 17 wickets in four matches.
Siraj has been India's most consistent bowler, featuring in all five games. His best performance came at Edgbaston with a six-wicket haul. At The Oval, he returned with figures of 4/86 in 16.2 overs, also his third-best in England.