Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram believes that Mohammed Siraj has moved beyond the role of merely supporting Jasprit Bumrah and is now ready to spearhead India’s pace attack in Test cricket.
Siraj proved his credentials by taking nine wickets in the recent Oval Test against England, guiding India to a thrilling six-run win and levelling the five-match series. His decisive spell on the final day, where he picked up three of the last four wickets when England needed only 35 runs, was crucial. Siraj featured in all five Tests of the series, bowling over 185 overs while maintaining high intensity throughout.
"Siraj was full of hunger and passion – it was an incredible effort. To bowl nearly 186 overs across five Tests and still be that fiery on the final day shows remarkable stamina and mental strength. He's not just a support bowler anymore," Akram told Telecom Asia Sport.
The Indian pacer also displayed mental toughness after a setback in which he misjudged Harry Brook’s catch and stepped onto the boundary rope off Prasidh Krishna’s bowling, allowing Brook to reach 111 runs.
"He's leading the attack and doing it with heart. Even when a catch went down – that of Brook – he didn't lose focus. That's the mark of a fighter. Test cricket is alive and kicking," Akram said.
Akram shared how invested he was in the thrilling finale at the Oval.
"I rarely watch cricket when I'm not working, but I was glued to the last day," he admitted.
"I gave India a 60 per cent chance on Day 5. They just needed that first breakthrough. With Woakes injured and India sensing blood, it was game on. Siraj made that possible," he added.
The former Pakistan captain also praised India’s bold move to rest Bumrah for the series decider.
"It takes a brave team to rest their best bowler. But India had the bench strength, and the plan worked perfectly," he said. "With the Asia Cup in 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026 coming up, this kind of foresight is essential. Bumrah is vital across formats, and managing him well is key."
Siraj’s performance at the Oval underscored his transformation into a frontline bowler for India. Delivering consistent intensity across the series and stepping up in pressure moments has cemented his place as a leader of the attack, marking a major boost for India’s pace-bowling arsenal.
[With TOI inputs]
Siraj proved his credentials by taking nine wickets in the recent Oval Test against England, guiding India to a thrilling six-run win and levelling the five-match series. His decisive spell on the final day, where he picked up three of the last four wickets when England needed only 35 runs, was crucial. Siraj featured in all five Tests of the series, bowling over 185 overs while maintaining high intensity throughout.
"Siraj was full of hunger and passion – it was an incredible effort. To bowl nearly 186 overs across five Tests and still be that fiery on the final day shows remarkable stamina and mental strength. He's not just a support bowler anymore," Akram told Telecom Asia Sport.
The Indian pacer also displayed mental toughness after a setback in which he misjudged Harry Brook’s catch and stepped onto the boundary rope off Prasidh Krishna’s bowling, allowing Brook to reach 111 runs.
"He's leading the attack and doing it with heart. Even when a catch went down – that of Brook – he didn't lose focus. That's the mark of a fighter. Test cricket is alive and kicking," Akram said.
Akram shared how invested he was in the thrilling finale at the Oval.
"I rarely watch cricket when I'm not working, but I was glued to the last day," he admitted.
"I gave India a 60 per cent chance on Day 5. They just needed that first breakthrough. With Woakes injured and India sensing blood, it was game on. Siraj made that possible," he added.
The former Pakistan captain also praised India’s bold move to rest Bumrah for the series decider.
"It takes a brave team to rest their best bowler. But India had the bench strength, and the plan worked perfectly," he said. "With the Asia Cup in 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026 coming up, this kind of foresight is essential. Bumrah is vital across formats, and managing him well is key."
Siraj’s performance at the Oval underscored his transformation into a frontline bowler for India. Delivering consistent intensity across the series and stepping up in pressure moments has cemented his place as a leader of the attack, marking a major boost for India’s pace-bowling arsenal.
[With TOI inputs]
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