The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has served the fans well after 25 days of amazing Test cricket, resulting in a 2-2 series draw after India pulled off a dramatic win, defeating England by 6 runs in the barest of margins.
The main man of the Test workhorse, Mohammed Siraj, stepped up for India when they needed to defend just 35 runs with 4 wickets remaining. He started by dismissing Jamie Smith and then rattled the stumps of Gus Atkinson to bowl out England, who fell short by 6 runs. Siraj delivered a brilliant 5-wicket haul in the second innings, bowling a long spell and finishing with figures of 5/104. He left the field with the match ball in hand.
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Mohammed Siraj Shines as Leading Wicket-Taker, Earns Praise from Ben Stokes
Amid his Player of the Match performance, Siraj also emerged as the highest wicket-taker of the series. He claimed 23 wickets at an average of 32.43, including two five-wicket hauls. His effort drew widespread praise, notably from England skipper Ben Stokes, who spoke highly of him during the press conference:
“I have had great respect and admiration for him. He just keeps coming and coming. Another example of what it means. Fair play to him,” Stokes said.
Stokes Reflects on Series Intensity
Stokes also expressed satisfaction with the overall series outcome and took pride in how his players performed. He acknowledged India’s comeback and the intensity of the contest.
“Yeah, it’s been awesome. You know, India-England is always a massive series. There’s always going to be moments where emotion comes out from both sides, particularly when you get to a stage of the game where almost the game’s on the line.”
When asked about the on-field banter and sledging, Stokes made it clear that such moments are part of the game and stay on the field.
“I’ve said it a few times before, I don’t think any of my lads are going to be going to sleep crying over what was said. And I don’t think any of the Indian players have been going to bed crying over what was said either. And I think it just shows the passion and the desire that everyone who walks out representing their country with their nation’s flag on their chest means,” Stokes said on Sky Sports during the post-match presentation.
Also Read: Siraj Takes Fifer As India Win Oval Test By 6 Runs, Levels Series 2-2
