The dramatic end to the 5th Test at The Oval not only sealed a 2-2 series draw for India but also turned the spotlight on star fast bowler Mohammed Siraj.
The Hyderabad-born cricketer was India's best bowler of the tour as he picked up 23 wickets in the entire series, including nine wickets in the final Test and a fifer in the final innings of the Oval and helped India draw level in the series.
His eye-catching and consistent performances on English soil left Pakistan great Wasim Akram impressed, as he called Siraj’s performance proof that he is no longer just a back-up bowler in the Indian pace unit and an understudy to Jasprit Bumrah.
Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
Akram on Siraj - ‘Not just a support bowler anymore’
Bowling icon Wasim Akram pointed out that Siraj bowled nearly 186 overs across five Tests yet still had the stamina and fire to take three wickets on the final day at The Oval.
“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,” Akram said.
During the tense final innings, Siraj saw a chance go begging when a catch was dropped off Prasidh Krishna’s bowling.
MORE: Rohit & 2 India stars feature in ultimate Hundred XI - Kohli misses out!
But Akram admired that Siraj did not lose focus, instead returning with the ball to make crucial breakthroughs. For Akram, this resilience marked him as 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,”
What made the final day’s play at the Oval so gripping for Akram?
The Pakistan legend admitted he usually avoids watching cricket when not on duty, but The Oval’s last day kept him hooked.
“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.
MORE: Bengaluru set to get a new state-of-the-art stadium with 80000 capacity
Siraj’s early strikes ensured India could apply constant pressure, swinging the momentum their way.
Siraj finished as the top wicket-taker with 23 scalps at an average of 32.43. His tally included two five-wicket hauls, with figures of 4/86 and 5/104 in the final Test.