Pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj became the latest Indian bowler to claim 200 international wickets across formats on Day 2 of the fifth and final Test at The Oval. Siraj achieved the feat during a spirited bowling performance that helped India claw back into the contest after England’s brisk start.
The 30-year-old seamer brought up his 200th scalp in his 101st international appearance. Across all formats, he has now taken 202 wickets at an average of 29.06 and an economy of 4.11, with his career-best figures of 6 for 15 coming against Australia. His rise has been marked by consistent performances overseas, and his four five-wicket hauls in Tests have all come outside Asia, in Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies.
Siraj played a pivotal role in India’s comeback effort on Friday, removing three key English batters, captain Ollie Pope, world No.1 Test batter Joe Root, and debutant Jacob Bethell, all trapped LBW. His incisive spells were instrumental in halting England’s momentum, after they had raced to 109 for 1 in the first session.
The Hyderabad pacer has been among the leading wicket-takers in the ongoing series, having picked up 17 wickets across five Tests at an average of 37.17 and an economy rate of 4.13. His best performance of the series so far came in the current match, where he recorded figures of 3 for 45 by tea on Day 2.
However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. In the previous Test at Old Trafford, Siraj was on the receiving end of England’s aggressive batting, conceding 140 runs in 30 overs for just one wicket. But showing resilience and mental toughness, Siraj bounced back with renewed precision and intensity at The Oval.
His efforts, along with a strong showing from fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna, have given India renewed hope of levelling the series 2-2. Prasidh also claimed three wickets in the innings, including a key double strike before tea. He removed Jamie Smith, England’s leading run-scorer in the series, for just 8, and followed it up by dismissing Jamie Overton for a duck.
At the start of the second session, England stood at 109 for 1 with Zak Crawley unbeaten on 52 and Ollie Pope on 12. However, the visitors struck regularly to reduce England to 215 for 7 by tea, trailing by just nine runs.
(With ANI inputs)
