Ahead of the fifth and final Test match against England, legendary South African pacer Dale Steyn has backed the Indian star speedster Mohammed Siraj to claim a five-wicket haul at The Oval.
Steyn, who has been hailed as one of the greatest fast bowlers across all three formats, took to his official social media handle by predicting that the Indian pacer will take a fifer. Taking to X:
Siraj to take a fifer in 5th Test.
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) July 30, 2025
Mohammed Siraj has been an exceptional performer for India in the ongoing Test tour against the `Three Lions`. Having played all four Tests so far, the pacer has claimed 14 wickets and is also the third-highest wicket-taker in the contest.
The 31-year-old Hyderabad pacer was instrumental in India`s victory in the second Test at Edgbaston, where he blew away the English team with a fiery spell of 6/70.
Additionally, the pacer is short of just one wicket to complete his tally of 200 wickets in international cricket.
For this, it is extremely important that Siraj, one of the team`s workhorse bowlers, performs well. During the fourth Old Trafford Test, Siraj was belted by English bowlers, going for 140 runs in 30 overs, and just getting the one wicket of Chris Woakes. His economy rate was disappointing at 4.70.
One of the major concerns for Team India heading into the fifth Test match will be the appearance of lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Earlier, he was advised not to play consecutive Test matches due to workload management.
With the series on the line, his inclusion in the fifth Test would be ideal for the visitors to win. The Shubman Gill-led side is currently trailing by 1-2 against the `Three Lions`.
Uplifted psychologically by a draw at Old Trafford, Team India would be aiming to draw the series 2-2 and walk with their heads held high.
As the teams gear up for the decider at The Oval, all eyes will be on Siraj to see if he lives up to the legendary South African`s prediction and delivers yet another spell that swings the match in India`s favour.
(With ANI Inputs)
