India’s pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj has opened up about his mindset ahead of the crucial fifth Test at The Oval during the England series — and his answer shows just how determined he was to finish the job for India.
Siraj’s ‘Ekdum First Class’ Response Boosted Gill’s Confidence
Before the final Test, captain Shubman Gill checked in on Siraj’s fitness after the bowler had sent down heavy spells in the first four matches. Despite the workload, Siraj assured his skipper he was more than ready.
“Shubman asked me, ‘Kaisi hai teri body?’ (How is your body?) I replied, ‘Ekdum first-class.’ He asked if I would play, and I said yes,” Siraj told The Indian Express in an Idea Exchange interview. “He said, ‘You are our main bowler, like Jasprit Bumrah. It’s your call.’”
Refusing to Rest Despite Workload
With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable for the final game, Siraj was given the option to skip the Oval Test due to the physical toll of his previous spells. But he didn’t even consider it.
“I said I am 100 per cent fit and will give everything,” Siraj revealed. “Honestly, if there had been one more Test, I would have played that too. I never felt tired.”
Leading the Attack and Delivering Big
Siraj’s decision paid off. He finished the series as the highest wicket-taker with 23 wickets, including nine in the final Test. His relentless pace and aggression became the difference-maker as India sealed a memorable result in England.
From Setbacks to Redemption
Siraj’s performance at The Oval was even more special given the challenges he faced earlier in the series. From getting bowled cheaply at Lord’s to accidentally touching the boundary rope while catching Harry Brook, the series had its share of lows.
“It felt like the script was written for me from above,” Siraj said. “From being bowled at Lord’s to taking Brook’s catch and brushing the boundary — and then ending the series on such a high.”
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