The ongoing five-match Test series between India and England is at a critical juncture. England leads 2-1, and if India loses the Oval Test, two missed opportunities by fast bowler Mohammed Siraj—a dropped catch of Brook at the Oval and an unlucky dismissal at Lord’s—could become major reasons for the series defeat.
Sports News: In this high-voltage series of five Test matches, while many players from Team India have shown their mettle, there have also been moments when the match slipped away despite India having a b grip. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been one of India's most hardworking bowlers in this series, but there have been two instances where he faltered—and now these mistakes could bring Team India to the brink of losing the series.
Oval Test: When Siraj's Foot Touched the Boundary
In the fifth Test match being played at the Oval in London, England was set a target of 374 runs. In response, when England's score was 106 for three wickets, the match seemed to be in India's grasp. Harry Brook and Joe Root were at the crease. During this time, on a ball by Prasidh Krishna, Brook played a lofted shot that went straight to Siraj, who was fielding at long-leg. Siraj took the catch, but one of his feet touched the boundary line. The result—a six.
At that time, Brook was only on 19 runs. After that, he hammered the Indian bowling attack, scoring 111 runs and forming a 195-run partnership with Root. This was the very partnership that dashed India's hopes of victory.
Lord's Test: When Reverse Spin Broke Siraj's Heart
In the third Test at Lord's, India needed 193 runs to win. The team had lost eight wickets for 112 runs, but after Jadeja and Bumrah, Siraj batted resolutely. Siraj withstood the English bowlers for 29 balls and brought the team closer to victory.
But when the score was 170 and India was just 23 runs away from victory, Siraj went to defend a ball from Shoaib Bashir. The ball bounced, took reverse spin, and crashed straight into the wickets. Siraj was out—that too at a time when everyone was praising his defense. After this unfortunate turn, India lost the match by 22 runs.
Siraj's Bowling Prowess Remains Intact
Despite these two regrettable moments, Siraj has performed exceptionally well as a bowler. He is currently the highest wicket-taker in this series. In five matches, he has taken 20 wickets. His bowling average has been 36.85, and he has also taken a five-wicket haul once in an innings.
Most notably, Siraj is the only fast bowler from India to have played all five Test matches in this series. He has bowled 181.2 overs so far, which is even more than England's Chris Woakes (181 overs). This shows Siraj's fitness, hard work, and dedication.
A Warning Bell for Team India
If India loses this final Test, not only will the series slip out of their hands, but it could also cost them in the World Test Championship. India has only played this series in this cycle so far, so a loss will affect the points table.
India won the second Test at Edgbaston by 336 runs, the match in Manchester was a draw, but the team faced defeat in Lord's and Leeds. The Oval Test has become a 'do or die' situation for India.
Will These Two Moments Become Regrets in Siraj's Career?
While Siraj has proven his worth by performing well with the ball, these two lapses in fielding and batting could become memorable regrets in his career. Decisions taken at crucial moments of the match and the performance on them are decisive in Test cricket—and that is what happened with Siraj.
