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In a significant endorsement ahead of the fifth and final Test between England and India, legendary South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has made a bold prediction for Indian seamer Mohammed Siraj to achieve a significant feat at the Kia Oval in London.
The last match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, commencing on July 31, holds immense strategic importance for India, who are desperate to level the series after their resilient draw in Manchester. England currently holds a 2-1 lead, having registered victories in the first and third Tests, while India remarkably bounced back to win the second match and bravely fought for a draw in the fourth.
Dale Steyn’s bold prediction for Mohammed Siraj regarding the ENG vs IND Oval Test
Former Proteas paceman Steyn, renowned for his incisive bowling, has expressed strong confidence in Siraj, emphatically stating on his official X (formerly Twitter) account: “Siraj to take fifer in 5th Test.” This bold prophecy comes at a critical juncture for the Indian team. Reports from various sources indicate that Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the game due to a pre-planned workload management strategy, advised by the BCCI medical team to safeguard his long-term fitness. This places the 31-year-old Siraj, already India’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the series with 14 scalps alongside Bumrah, squarely in the role of the primary pace enforcer.
Siraj has already demonstrated his capability to thrive under such pressure. During the second Test at Edgbaston, when Bumrah was rested, Siraj delivered a match-winning performance, securing seven wickets in the game, including a phenomenal 6/70 in the first innings, instrumental in India’s massive 336-run victory. His average of 25.20 in 15 Tests without Bumrah further showcased his ability to step up when leading the attack. With the potential Test debut of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and the return of Akash Deep, who famously took 10 wickets at Edgbaston, Siraj will find crucial support, allowing him to operate with renewed vigor and focus at The Oval.
Siraj’s personal milestone awaits at the Oval
The Kia Oval, a venue steeped in cricketing history, could be a perfect backdrop for Siraj to silence any lingering questions about his effectiveness in overseas conditions and to unleash what fans affectionately call his ‘Miyan Magic,” While his performance in the fourth Test at Old Trafford was somewhat subdued, his overall contribution to the series has been vital. Siraj boasts a solid record in England, with 37 wickets in 10 Tests at an average of 36.16. Furthermore, he has fond memories of The Oval, having claimed five wickets, including a four-wicket haul in the first innings, during the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at the same venue in 2023.
For India to successfully level the series, Siraj’s ability to consistently hit hard lengths, generate movement, and provide crucial breakthroughs will be paramount. Beyond the team’s objective, Siraj himself is on the cusp of a personal milestone, needing just one more wicket to reach 200 international wickets across all formats, adding another layer of significance to his anticipated performance at The Oval.
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