It is worth noting that in the absence of India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj has been exceptional and has been one of the visitors’ best performers. Taking four wickets in the first innings, Mohammed Siraj has taken two wickets ahead of day 5 of the game in the second innings, and through his resilient performance, the 31-year-old went on to achieve a special feat as well.
Notably, Mohammed Siraj completed 1000 deliveries bowled in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, becoming the only Indian bowler to do so in the series. Over the years, there have been several Indian bowlers who have bowled 1000 balls in a series, and Mohammed Siraj has gone on to join the special list as well.
The stage is set for day 5 of the fifth and final test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 between England and India. Where India looked to be in command of the game ahead of day 4, England’s brilliance with the bat saw the hosts completely dominate India throughout most of day 4.
Where the side was 50/1, needing 324 more runs on day 4, the penultimate day ended with England on a score of 339/6. Where the hosts need 35 runs to win the game, the Indian team needs to be inch-perfect with the ball, as they require four wickets to win the game.
Mohammed Siraj is the only bowler in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy to survive all five Test matches, bowling day in and day out throughout the entire extended tour, and also succeeding in having an impact. While Mohammed Siraj is often caught up in the image of being a pantomime villain for opposition teams, given how he wears his heart on his sleeve, at the end of the day, it remains a trait that his competitors can appreciate.
Known as one of the most sociable and positive cricketers not only in the English cricket team but in world sport, Joe Root was full of praise for Mohammed Siraj after he bowled a lung-bursting spell on Day 4, which pushed his tally for the series to more than 180 overs.
Mohammed Siraj is a real warrior- Joe Root
Speaking at the press conference, Joe Root spoke about how Mohammed Siraj’s intangibles made him a great team player.
“He’s a character. He’s a warrior, a real warrior. He’s someone you want on your team; he’s that kind of character. He gives everything for India, credit to him for that.”
Mohammed Siraj does have an edge that gives him some extra aggression. He is not afraid to celebrate wickets in batters’ faces and let them know his thoughts. However, Root recognised that this was just for show and to find rhythm on the pitch, not reflective of his character off it.
“The way he approaches cricket, he’s got this fake-angriness about him sometimes, which I can see right through. You can tell he’s a really nice lad,” said Root.
Nevertheless, the English player was still happy to credit Mohammed Siraj for his bowling discipline and ability alone, which sometimes go unnoticed behind talks of his heart and effort.
“He tries incredibly hard, he’s a very skillful player, and there’s a reason he’s got the wickets he has, it’s because one, his work ethic, and two, his skill level,” explained Joe Root, who scored his 39th century and put England on the path towards victory in a massive partnership with Harry Brook.
“I enjoyed playing against him, he’s always got a big smile on his face, and he gives everything for his team. Can’t really want anything more as a fan watching, and a great example to any young player starting out,” concluded the English batter, showering praise on a bowler who is set up to finish as the series’ highest wicket-taker irrespective of the result.
Day 5 of the fifth test will begin with Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton on the crease, unbeaten on scores of two and zero, respectively. With just 35 runs needed to win the game, the two stars will be hoping to hold out against the Indian bowling attack, which will be giving it all they’ve got.
Prasidh Krishna impressed with the ball on day 4, ending the day with three wickets to his name. Mohammed Siraj took two wickets, with Akash Deep striking once as well. The visitors will be hoping to put in their best performance on the final day of the series.
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