August 4, 2025

As the fifth and final Test against England approached, former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn made a bold prediction about Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj. He confidently claimed that Siraj would take a five-wicket haul during the match, stating 'Siraj to take a fifer in 5th Test' on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Six days later, Siraj made Steyn's prophecy a reality by leading India to a vital victory at The Oval, as the series was tied at 2-2. On the first day of the Test, Siraj displayed impressive form, bowling with great pace and precision. Although he fell just short of a five-wicket haul in the first innings, where he took 4 wickets for 86 runs, he proved to be the star of the second innings. Siraj delivered an exceptional performance with the ball, picking up 5 wickets for 104 runs, thus significantly contributing to England’s total of 367 and ultimately securing India's success in this final Test match. After the match, Siraj acknowledged Steyn’s prediction with a heartfelt reply, saying, 'You asked. I delivered. Really appreciate coming from you.' This exchange highlighted the mutual respect between the two players and signified Siraj’s growth as one of India's leading fast bowlers. Siraj's monumental role began early during England’s second innings, where he provided India with the first breakthrough by dismissing opener Zak Crawley. This wicket came at a crucial moment on the third evening, leaving England at a precarious 50 for one. As Day 5 commenced, Siraj continued his dominance, taking the vital wicket of stand-in captain Ollie Pope and reducing the hosts to 106 for three. However, England made a valiant effort to regain control of the match with a commendable partnership between Harry Brook and Joe Root, who stabilized their innings. Brook showcased his explosive batting skills by scoring a quick century, while Root became part of cricket history by scoring his 39th Test century, ranking fourth all-time among Test batsmen. That partnership brought England within touching distance of victory, and it looked like they might conclude the series with a 3-1 victory over India. Despite this push from England, Siraj's teammates, including Prasidh Krishna, stepped up. Krishna took two wickets in two overs after the tea break, creating mounting pressure on the English batsmen. As the final day progressed, Siraj made his return to the attack and quickly dismissed Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton. He capped off the innings in a spectacular fashion by cleaning up Gus Atkinson, thus sealing a memorable triumph for India. This win at The Oval marked the first time India had ever claimed a fifth Test match in a series played away from their homeland, making it a historic outing. Siraj’s standout performance and Steyn’s predicted prophecy converged perfectly, showcasing the excitement and unpredictability of cricket. Fans celebrating at the venue and those watching from afar recognized the importance of this victory, not just in terms of the series standings but also for Indian cricket’s journey, establishing a new chapter in the nation’s cricketing legacy. Cricket enthusiasts were also thrilled to witness remarkable individual performances in an exciting Test match that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Follow top players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill for the latest updates and highlights from the ongoing India vs England series, along with schedules and live scores. This win reinforces India’s position in international cricket, inspiring both players and fans alike.

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Tags: Cricket, Mohammed siraj, Dale steyn, India vs england, Test match,