Bowling with purpose and precision, Siraj struck in his very first over of the morning to jolt the hosts. His outswinger to Jamie Smith was perfectly pitched, drawing the edge and flying straight into the gloves of wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel
Mohammed Siraj (Pic: AFP)
India stormed back into contention on the final day of the fifth Test at The Oval, thanks to a fiery spell from Mohammed Siraj that left England teetering just short of the finish line. With only 35 runs required at the start of play, England looked poised to secure a memorable 3-1 series victory. But Siraj had other plans.
Bowling with purpose and precision, Siraj struck in his very first over of the morning to jolt the hosts. His outswinger to Jamie Smith was perfectly pitched, drawing the edge and flying straight into the gloves of wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. The Indian fielders erupted in celebration, knowing they were right back in the contest. At that moment, England needed 27 runs and India just three wickets, and the match had burst back into life.
ABSOLUTE SCENES!!! 💥
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 4, 2025
Do not scratch your eyes. India grab another wicket! 🔥🇮🇳#SonySportsNetwork #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings pic.twitter.com/Ac1mtNCwgz
Smith’s dismissal brought Gus Atkinson to the crease, England’s last recognised batter, with Chris Woakes unlikely to bat due to a shoulder injury sustained earlier in the match. The pressure was now squarely on England’s lower order, as India sensed an opening.
Mohammed Siraj, relentless in his rhythm, delivered once again in his very next spell. In the 80th over, with India having just taken the second new ball, Siraj produced a full, searing delivery that jagged back into Jamie Overton. Trapped on the crease, Overton was struck flush on the pads. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena took a moment before raising the finger. Overton opted for the DRS, but to no avail, ball-tracking showed it clipping leg stump on umpire’s call. Siraj had his second, and England were suddenly 339 for 9.
With just 17 runs separating England from win and India needing one final wicket, the game reached fever pitch. Josh Tongue was the last man in, a tail-ender with little to show in terms of batting credentials. The tension on the field was palpable as India closed in on what would be a remarkable comeback.
While Siraj led the charge with the ball, India will now look to Prasidh Krishna to deliver from the other end and apply the finishing touch. With Woakes not expected to bat, a single wicket stands between India and a series-saving win.
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