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Following an inspired and dramatic performance during the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has not only cemented his place in cricketing history but has also been given a unique nickname by the opposition. The 31-year-old fast bowler played a crucial role in India‘s six-run victory, which stands as the narrowest in the team’s Test history. His fiery and passionate on-field demeanor, which has been on full display throughout the series, has caught the attention of the England players.
Nasser Hussain reveals the nickname for Mohammed Siraj from the England dressing room
Former England captain Nasser Hussain has revealed the nickname given to Siraj by the England dressing room, calling him ‘Mr. Angry.’ In his column for The Daily Mail, Hussain explained that the moniker is a result of Siraj’s fiery nature and intense emotional displays on the field. “He’s fiery, the England boys call him Mr. Angry, and he has the longest follow through in the history of the game, but he demands your attention,” Hussain wrote. He further noted that Siraj is a born entertainer, and his on-field theatrics, which include “histrionics – down on his knees in despair… the celebrations and dejection when DRS decisions go one way or another,” often make him a “pantomime villain” in the eyes of some.
However, Hussain was quick to add that Siraj’s passion is accompanied by a massive smile, likening his on-field persona to that of legendary spinner Shane Warne.
“Yes, he plays the pantomime villain at times, a bit like Warney did, and so people love to hate him, but he regularly has that massive smile on his face too,” Hussain concluded.
Siraj’s heroics and redemption at The Oval
Siraj’s performance at The Oval was a story of redemption, as he overcame a series of highs and lows to become the match-winner. Throughout the five-match series, the pacer was a constant presence, playing in all five Tests. In the final Test, he was nearly remembered for a crucial fielding blunder when he stepped on the boundary rope after taking a catch to dismiss Harry Brook, a mistake that gave England a lifeline. However, he turned the script on its head on the dramatic final day, delivering a spell of magic with the ball. He took three crucial wickets on the fifth day to complete a five-wicket haul in the innings and a nine-wicket haul for the match, sealing a historic six-run win for India. This inspired performance not only made him the leading wicket-taker in the series with 23 wickets but also etched his name into Indian cricket folklore by leading the team to its narrowest Test victory ever.
