The Oval: With England off to a flying start in the fifth Test at The Oval, India found itself scrambling for answers until Mohammed Siraj stepped in with a spell that turned the tide. Channeling the energy of a man on a mission, Siraj ripped through England’s middle order, breathing fresh life into India’s fading hopes.
The early innings saw English openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley coming out with aggressive intent, playing more like it was a limited-overs contest than a Test match. Their partnership was blistering 92 runs in under 13 overs with both batsmen finding gaps effortlessly and dispatching the ball to all corners of the ground. Duckett, who looked set for a big score, was dismissed for 43 after being undone by a sharp delivery from Akash Deep. Soon after, Prasidh Krishna trapped Crawley for a well-made 64, halting England’s charge.
But it was Siraj who truly swung the momentum. Taking charge like a no-nonsense DSP in an action film, Siraj launched a fiery spell that dismantled England’s middle order. His first breakthrough came in the form of Ollie Pope, who was looking to anchor the innings but nicked one behind on 22. Next to fall was the seasoned Joe Root, undone by Siraj's deceptive seam movement for 29. Siraj wasn't done his third strike was debutant Jacob Bethell, who offered little resistance and fell cheaply for 6.
With three key wickets in quick succession, Siraj not only stifled England’s scoring rate but also sowed seeds of doubt in a batting line-up that was cruising comfortably. His spell stood out for its intensity, length discipline, and relentless pressure, drawing comparisons to his performance in the 2021 Gabba Test.
At the end of the 39th over, England stood at 201 for 5, still trailing India’s first-innings total of 224 by 23 runs. Though the deficit looks minimal, the psychological advantage has clearly swung back towards the visitors. India's bowlers, with Siraj leading from the front, have managed to claw back from what initially looked like a one-sided affair.
The Oval is known to produce dramatic shifts in momentum, and India will be keen to capitalize on this opening. With the tail looming and the pitch starting to offer some variable bounce, the next session could well determine whether India pushes for a lead or faces another uphill climb.
Siraj’s fiery spell has not only put India back in the contest but has also reminded everyone why Test cricket remains the pinnacle of drama, discipline, and raw skill.