Legendary pacer Wasim Akram heaped praise on Mohammed Siraj after his stunning performance in the Oval Test and claimed that he was no longer the support bowler in the side. Siraj picked up nine wickets across both innings in the final match of the series and spearheaded India’s six-run win to help them level the series 2-2.
The 31-year-old stepped up as Jasprit Bumrah played just three matches during the series and picked up 23 wickets in the five games he played. Adding to this, Siraj bowled a total of 185.3 overs during the series. Akram said said that Siraj was full of hunger and passion and praised him for his fitness and mental strength during the England tour.
“Siraj was full of hunger and passion – it was an incredible effort. To bowl nearly 186 overs across five Tests and still be that fiery on the final day shows remarkable stamina and mental strength. He’s not just a support bowler anymore,” said Akram in an interview with Telecom Asia Sport.
Akram also pointed out how Siraj didn’t lose focus after dropping Harry Brook’s catch on Day 4, saying it was the mark of a fighter.
“He’s leading the attack and doing it with heart. Even when a catch went down– that of Brook – he didn’t lose focus. That’s the mark of a fighter. Test cricket is alive and kicking,” he added.
‘Siraj made the Oval turnaround possible’
India needed four wickets on the final day while England required 35 runs to win and secure the series. Akram said he was glued to the TV on Day 5 and gave India a sixty percent chance of winning. The legendary Pakistan pacer also said that India needed a breakthrough early and Siraj provided it.
“I rarely watch cricket when I’m not working, but I was glued to the last day,” said Akram.
“I gave India a 60 per cent chance on Day 5. They just needed that first breakthrough. With Woakes injured and India sensing blood, it was game on. Siraj made that possible,” said Akram.
Akram also praised the decision made by India to rest Bumrah for the final Test, saying that the star pacer’s fitness is essential with big tournaments coming up.
“It takes a brave team to rest their best bowler. But India had the bench strength, and the plan worked perfectly,” he said.
“With the Asia Cup in 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026 coming up, this kind of foresight is essential. Bumrah is vital across formats, and managing him well is key.”
India’s next assignment in international cricket will be the Asia Cup.
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