Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif showered praise on fast bowler Mohammed Siraj for his bowling performance during the ongoing fifth and final Test match against England at The Oval. Kaif stated that Siraj doesn’t receive the recognition he deserves and described him as a true champion for India.
India reached 75 for 2 in their second innings at the end of Day 2 (Friday, August 1), leading by 52 runs with three days still to play. Earlier in the day, fast bowlers Siraj and Prasidh Krishna delivered impressive spells with the ball, taking four wickets each to bowl the hosts out for 247 runs.
Mohammed Siraj Runs Through England’s Middle Order by Dismissing In-Form Batters
Karun Nair (57) smashed a half-century that pushed India past 200. However, India lost their final four wickets for just six runs in the morning session. England put India on the back foot as openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley gave a flying start.
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The pair added 92 in under 13 overs against the moving ball on a green pitch. However, Crawley’s dismissal gave India a chance to make a comeback. Duckett also perished in quick succession.
From 129 for 1, England were bundled out for 247. Siraj played a key role in the collapse. He removed the in-form trio of Ollie Pope, Root, and Harry Brook to dismantle the middle order and swing the match back in India’s favor.
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Mohammed Siraj Doesn’t Get the Due He Deserves – Mohammad Kaif
Jasprit Bumrah was rested as part of workload management and was released from the squad by the BCCI on Friday. Siraj took charge as the most experienced seamer in India’s pace attack at The Oval. He guided a relatively young bowling unit in the crucial fifth Test.
Following the end of Day 2 in the fifth Test, Mohammad Kaif took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to praise Siraj. Kaif was impressed with the pacer’s relentless attitude, saying his determination and energy draw fans to the stadium.
“Mohammed Siraj doesn’t get the due he deserves. his never say die attitude brings crowd to the stadium, what a true india champion,” Kaif wrote.
Mohammed Siraj doesn’t get the due he deserves. his never say die attitude brings crowd to the stadium, what a true india champion.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 1, 2025
Mohammed Siraj Etches His Name into the Record Books After Four-Wicket Haul
Mohammed Siraj took 4 wickets for 86 runs in 16.2 overs. He also etched his name into the record books. With this feat, Siraj became the first Indian bowler to secure multiple four-wicket hauls in Test matches at The Oval.
His previous four-wicket haul at the venue came during the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, where he took 4 for 108 in 28.3 overs.
Siraj’s bowling figures at The Oval in Tests:
| Opposition | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 12 | 4 | 42 | 1 | 2021 |
| England | 14 | 0 | 44 | 0 | 2021 |
| Australia | 28.3 | 4 | 108 | 4 | 2023 |
| Australia | 20 | 2 | 80 | 1 | 2023 |
| England | 16.2 | 1 | 86 | 4 | 2025 |
Also Read: Mohammed Siraj breaks into elite 200 club: Full list of Indians with 200+ international wickets
