Cometh the hour, cometh Siraj

We saw a lion-hearted cricketer.

We saw a passionate cricketer.

We saw a relentless cricketer.

We saw the comeback of a cricketer.

We saw the spirit of a cricketer.

We saw the evolution of a cricketer.

We saw the rise of a cricketer.

We saw Siraj.

Mohammed Siraj had been living for long in the shadows of his more illustrious compatriot Jasprit Bumrah. At the start of England series, it was suggested that the Indian bowlers will have to support Bumrah. Of course, the menacing Bumrah, the best bowler in the world beyond doubt, was the leader of the attack.

Siraj stayed in the shadows as the role assigned to him was to support Bumrah. But you often become what you believe yourself to be. Siraj kept bowling, but only to support Bumrah. Once Bumrah was ruled out of the last Test match, Siraj suddenly became the lead. This is where Siraj took the challenge and rose to the occasion. 

Siraj dropped Harry Brook on 19 on Day 4 of fifth Test. Brook went to score a dominating 111 off just 98 balls. Joe Root was batting flawlessly at the other side and looked invincible as usual. Just when it seemed the pair will take England to victory, England lost Brook.

This opened the gates for India. Youngster Bethell got out trying a big shot. Soon after, Prasidh Krishna got the prized wicket of Root, as he nicked one to the wicketkeeper. England were from 301/3 to 337/6. Suddenly, India saw some hope - though for most, it seemed hope against hope. The fourth Day ended with England at 339/6, needing 35 runs with four wickets in hand. 

Cometh the hour cometh the man

Day 5 arrived and so did Siraj. With a belief as strong as a mountain, Siraj kept bowling one magical ball after another. Soon Jamie Smith nicked behind to wicketkeeper Jurel. Siraj dismissed Overton next. 

At the other end Prasidh Krishna got into a good rhythm and bowled out Josh Tongue with a beautiful yorker. Chris Woakes came out to bat with his injury and demonstrated grit. Gus Atkinson took it on himself and hit Siraj for a six and ran few runs.

With six needed to tie the score, Siraj came and bowled a perfect yorker to dismiss Atkinson and hand over India a famous series-levelling victory. It was a Test win with narrowest margin for India. The five-match series ended 2-2, a justified result for the two sides who fought till the end.

The series showed how relentless dedication ultimately gets rewarded.

The series showed how to rise after being beaten.

The series showed how boys became men.

The series showed the rise of Siraj.

Written by: Rajiv Mundhra