Amidst the heavy criticism, Mohammed Siraj has found support from Mohammad Kaif over his costly mistake on Day 4 of the ongoing fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval. While many pointed fingers after Mohammed Siraj gave Harry Brook a lifeline, Kaif reminded one and all how the Indian pacer gave it all throughout the ongoing five-match Test series in England.
It all happened during the 34th over when Harry Brook sent a shot flying towards the boundary. Siraj seemed to have pulled off a clean catch near the rope, but just as the Indian camp began to celebrate, replays showed that his foot had touched the boundary cushion.
Mohammad Kaif comes out in support of Mohammed Siraj over costly blunder
The key breakthrough provided by Prasidh Krishna turned into a six for England, all thanks to an unfortunate blunder by Siraj, who looked stunned after the costly miss. His face said it all, covering his eyes with palms in disbelief, while Krishna’s joy turned into frustration on Day 4.
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That moment allowed Harry Brook to turn the tide with a stunning century and put England in a strong position to win the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval. But Mohammed Kaif, who was considered one of the best fielders of his time, has avoided playing blame games.
Mohammad Kaif defends Mohammed Siraj’s grit in England
The former Indian batter further went on to highlight Siraj’s relentless efforts on the England tour, especially his fiery long spells that kept India in the hunt match after match. Kaif has stressed that one mistake should not outshine the impact Siraj has made with the ball.
Mohammad Kaif posted, X: “It is often said one dropped catch can be the reason for your defeat. But Siraj’s miss would be forgotten; he will be remembered for his brave long bowling spells. This young Indian team gives it all.”
It is often said one dropped catch can be the reason for your defeat. But Siraj’s miss would be forgotten, he will be remembered for his brave long bowling spells. This young Indian team gives it all.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 4, 2025
Notably, Mohammed Siraj was the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between India and England. Siraj has already taken 24 wickets and is leading the chart, with India needing only two wickets to win the fifth and final Test against England.
Read Also: “Unreliable catcher”: Australian legend’s brutal take on Mohammed Siraj’s costly error in 5th Test
Mohammed Siraj makes history in England with fiery spell at The Oval
Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj delivered a fiery spell on Day 5 of the final Test against England, making a huge impact right from the start. He struck twice in his first two overs—first sending Jamie Smith back to the pavilion after a sharp catch behind by Dhruv Jurel, and then trapping Jamie Overton plumb in front of the stumps.
Overton’s wicket gave Siraj his fourth in the innings, and the bowler achieved a historic milestone. It marked Siraj’s seventh four-wicket haul in England, making him the first Asian bowler ever to achieve this rare feat in the traditional format of the game.
Even legends like Waqar Younis and Muttiah Muralitharan, both with six four-fers each in England, now trail behind the Indian speedster. Siraj had already picked up four wickets in the first innings of this same test, finishing with 4/86 in 16.2 overs. With his latest heroics, Siraj now also holds the record for most four-wicket hauls in England by an Indian Test bowler.
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