Divine Drama: Siraj’s Stellar Showing in England-India Test Clash

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj reflected on his stellar performance in the England Test series earlier this year, describing it as feeling “scripted by God.” During the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Siraj bowled a total of 185.3 overs, delivering 1,113 balls, and emerged as the series’ top wicket-taker with 23 wickets, enabling India to secure a 2-2 draw.

“It was as if a divine script was written for me,” Siraj shared in an interview with The Indian Express. “From the moment I was bowled at Lords, to reaching the Oval, everything seemed predestined. Even catching Harry Brook and touching the boundary felt like part of this divine script.”

On the final morning, with the opposition needing just 35 runs, Siraj was determined. “I told myself the match wouldn’t last beyond an hour and that I would secure the win. Although the match was scheduled to start at 11 am, I was wide awake by 6 am. I questioned why I woke up so early but then wrote, ‘I can do this, win the game.’ My execution matched my thoughts perfectly; it was a sign from above. God had written, ‘Become a hero,'” Siraj reflected.

Celebrating the match-winning wicket of Gus Atkinson of England alongside teammate Dhruv Jurel on day five of the 5th Test at the Oval, Siraj’s elation was captured in a photograph by Getty Images.

The 31-year-old revealed that he had envisioned becoming the series’ top wicket-taker before it even began. “Upon arriving in England, my goal was clear, to be the top wicket-taker. Throughout the series, my mental strength was unwavering. I aimed to maintain peak fitness and availability for all five matches, especially as I played the practice matches with good rhythm. With Jassi bhai (Jasprit Bumrah) not playing all the matches, I felt the responsibility to step up as the second senior fast bowler.”

Reflecting on past performances, Siraj recalled taking 20 wickets during the 2024 series in Australia, where Jasprit Bumrah’s performance was remarkable. His confidence was further bolstered by his IPL success, which led to important insights after a post-Champions Trophy break. “I figured out what was amiss in my bowling and worked on my fitness,” Siraj added.

Heading into the fifth Test at the Oval, India lagged 1-2 in the series. Siraj was offered to sit out the game due to his prior workload in the earlier Tests, but he refused, feeling he was in the “zone.”

“[Captain] Shubman (Gill) asked about my condition, and I assured him I felt ‘first-class’ and was ready to play. He said I was as crucial as Bumrah and should decide for myself. I confirmed my availability with 100 per cent readiness, and to be honest, had there been another Test, I would have played that too. I never felt exhausted, I was just in the zone, driven by a sense that I had to accomplish something,” Siraj stated.

This article was published on October 6, 2025.