![ENG vs IND [WATCH]: Mohammed Siraj’s magical inswinger castles Ollie Pope on Day 4 of the fifth Test](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mohammed-Sirajs-magical-inswinger-castles-Ollie-Pope-on-Day-4-of-the-fifth-Test.webp "ENG vs IND [WATCH]: Mohammed Siraj’s magical inswinger castles Ollie Pope on Day 4 of the fifth Test")
Table of Contents
The much-anticipated cricket clash between England and India in the fifth Test at London’s iconic Oval ground is proving to be a gripping finale in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 series. With both teams battling fiercely, the stakes have never been higher as India looks to level the series and England aim to clinch the historic win on home soil. The day 4 proceedings unfolded with dramatic moments, none more memorable than Mohammed Siraj’s magical inswinger that spectacularly dismissed England’s stand-in captain Ollie Pope, reaffirming Siraj’s rising dominance in the series.
Mohammed Siraj’s spectacular inswinger dismisses Ollie Pope on Day 4
On the 27.3 over of the innings, the stage was set for a moment of brilliance from Siraj. Bowling a perfect nip-backer that stayed low and jagged sharply towards the leg stump, Siraj had Pope pegged in front. The England batter initially appeared confident, even opting to review, but the Hawk-Eye technology painted a grim picture. The ball was shown to be crashing into the middle stump nearly three-quarters of the way up, leaving no doubt about the legitimacy of the LBW decision. The umpire Kumar Dharmasena raised his finger, and despite the hope that the review might save him, Pope was dismissed for 27 runs off 34 balls, with five stylish boundaries but no sixes. This wicket was a crucial turning point as England found themselves suddenly three down and teetering.
Siraj’s bowling in this spell was a masterclass in control and tactical precision. His wobble-seam deliveries not only kept the batters guessing but also extracted natural movement off the pitch, proving especially lethal in the English atmospheric conditions. The subtle variations in length and angle demonstrated his ability to outthink even the more settled and confident batters like Pope.
Here’s the video:
Mohammed Siraj lands a killer blow 💥
He sends the set English captain back to the pavilion 👋#SonySportsNetwork #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings | @mdsirajofficial pic.twitter.com/Okwai75KaA
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 3, 2025
Also WATCH: Prasidh Krishna breaks Ben Duckett’s resistance with crucial Day 4 strike in final Test
The unstoppable Siraj becomes the highest wicket-taker of the series
Following the dismissal of Pope, Siraj’s impact on the match and series extended beyond the dramatic moment at the crease. He surpassed Josh Tongue to become the highest wicket-taker in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, claiming 20 wickets in England after a relentless performance throughout this demanding five-Test series. Known for his endurance and consistency, Siraj has been the backbone of the Indian pace attack, having featured in all five Tests and bowled over 150 overs.
His ability to bowl long, intense spells while maintaining accuracy, speed (touching 140 kph), and tactical variations has been pivotal for India’s competitive edge. On Day 4, his inswinging deliveries not only removed Pope but also troubled other top-order batters, keeping India firmly in command as England battles to recover.
