The fifth Test match between India and England is going to be held at the Oval and all eyes are on fast bowler Mohammed Siraj.
Siraj is just one step away from taking 200 international wickets, and he can do this feat at the Oval ground in London.
India is trying its best to level the series 2-2 in this match, especially after the last draw in Manchester.
Siraj has been India’s top wicket-taker in this series along with Jasprit Bumrah. He has taken 14 wickets at an average of 39.71.
Even though he proved a bit expensive in the last Test, taking only one wicket for 140 runs in 30 overs, but his dominance remains intact throughout the series.
Siraj Nears 200 Wickets as India Aim to Level Series at The Oval
Siraj has taken 199 wickets in 100 international matches at an average of 29.09, which also includes the feat of taking 5 wickets in an innings 5 times.
The special thing is that Siraj’s record in Tests is tremendous. He has 114 wickets in 40 Tests at an average of 31.84, and he is even more dangerous on foreign pitches.
He has taken 5-wicket hauls in Australia, England, South Africa and West Indies. He has been quite impressive in England, taking 37 wickets in 10 Tests at an average of 36.16, including a brilliant performance of 6/70 at Edgbaston in this series.
Siraj’s old record at the Oval
Siraj has a special connection with the Oval. In the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, he took 5 wickets, including 4 wickets in the first innings.
Now once again India is expecting the same “Miyan Magic” from him.
Team India’s mission
For India, this Test is not just a personal achievement for Siraj, but an opportunity to level the series. The team’s morale is high after the draw in Manchester.
England’s team is no less, but their captain Ben Stokes said in a recent press conference,
“Let’s not focus on the handshake row, let’s focus on the game.”
