Following India’s victory in the fifth Test match against England, Mohammed Siraj, who is known for his fondness for Jasprit Bumrah, said he sincerely missed the pace spearhead’s presence during his hour of glory.
India defeated England by six runs in a thrilling match to level the series 2-2 on Monday, with Siraj taking five wickets in the second innings of the fifth Test at The Oval.
In addition to winning the “Man of the Match Award,” Siraj’s nine-wicket haul in the match won him praise from his devoted fan base.
“Every batsman, every bowler (who played the Test), hats off to him… and the way we came back, crazy man. I miss Jassi (Bumrah) bhai because had he been there, it would have been special. I believe in Jassi bhai and myself,” said an emotional Siraj in a video posted by BCCI.
Bumrah skipped the final Test to manage his workload and was released from the Indian squad after featuring in the fourth match.
On the last day, Siraj appeared resolute despite failing to catch Harry Brook on Sunday. He troubled the English batters with each ball he bowled during Monday’s morning session.
“To be honest, the emotions I have right now (after the win), I cannot describe them because yesterday (Sunday) I dropped the catch. When I was going to bed (after day 4), I was only thinking about ‘how could I drop it’.
“Had I taken that catch, we wouldn’t have had to come out and play on Monday. We would have been in the room relaxed. But the Almighty had something else in store for us. He brought us to the stadium on Monday and the result is in front of everyone,” Siraj said.
Siraj would have given India a definitive victory on day four if he hadn’t tripped over the ropes while collecting Brook’s catch at fine leg.
“When I woke up in the morning (on Monday), my inner self told me that I can do it, I can change the game. I had that belief,” he said.
“I woke up in the morning and checked google on my phone and took out a ‘Believe’ emoji wallpaper and told myself that I will do it for the country.
“I always believe that I can win the game from any point, and did that in the morning.”
