Mohammed Siraj: India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj summed up his emotions after a match-winning five-wicket haul on the final day, which helped India beat England by six runs and level the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy 2-2 at The Oval here on Monday.On the final day, England started as clear favourites, needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand. But India’s bowlers turned the match around with a brilliant four-wicket burst in the morning session.
“I have a wallpaper on my phone which says Belief. And I always believe in myself. I was just focusing on bowling in the right areas. I was not too concerned about whether I conceded a boundary or not. I just wanted to bowl in the right areas and pick wickets,” Siraj said after India beat England by six runs in a thrilling finish.
Siraj removed Jamie Smith, caught behind after a thin edge confirmed by UltraEdge. He then trapped Jamie Overton lbw with a delivery that nipped in — England reviewed, but the decision stayed with the on-field umpire. Prasidh Krishna then bowled Josh Tongue with a perfect yorker at 141 kph to reduce England to 354/9 from 347/6.
Chris Woakes, despite a dislocated shoulder, came out to bat. Along with Gus Atkinson, he brought England close. But Siraj returned to take the final wicket — Atkinson edged behind to Jurel — and India won by six runs.
It was a moment of redemption for Mohammed Siraj in more ways than one. Not only did he make up for the dropped catch of Harry Brook — who went on to score 92 after being given a lifeline at the boundary — but he also bounced back from the disappointment of Manchester, where he was the last man out, bowled by Shoaib Bashir while trying to defend.
He added, “I always have a belief in myself that I can do it for the team in any situation.”
Article Source: IANS
