Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram makes massive Mohammed Siraj admission: 'He's not just ...'

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: Mohammed Siraj of India reacts during day four of the Fifth Test Match between England and India at The Kia Oval on August 03, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

IND vs ENG: Mohammed Siraj reflects on memorable win at The Oval

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Poll Has Mohammed Siraj proven himself as a leading pace bowler for India in Test cricket? Absolutely No Jasprit Bumrah is still the leader

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has stated that Mohammed Siraj has evolved beyond being just a support bowler to Jasprit Bumrah and is now capable of leading India's pace attack in Test cricket.Siraj demonstrated this by taking nine wickets in the recent Oval Test against England, helping India secure a six-run victory and level the five-match series, particularly with his crucial performance on the final day where he claimed three of the remaining four wickets when England needed just 35 runs.Siraj played all five Tests in the series against England, bowling over 185 overs and maintaining his intensity throughout the matches."Siraj was full of hunger and passion – it was an incredible effort. To bowl nearly 186 overs across five Tests and still be that fiery on the final day shows remarkable stamina and mental strength. He's not just a support bowler anymore," Akram said in an interview with Telecom Asia Sport.The Indian pacer showed resilience after a setback when he had miscalculated Harry Brook 's catch, stepping onto the boundary rope off Prasidh Krishna 's bowling, which allowed Brook to score 111 runs."He's leading the attack and doing it with heart. Even when a catch went down– that of Brook – he didn't lose focus. That's the mark of a fighter. Test cricket is alive and kicking," Akram added.Akram revealed his engagement with the final day's play at the Oval, highlighting the compelling nature of the match."I rarely watch cricket when I'm not working, but I was glued to the last day," said Akram."I gave India a 60 per cent chance on Day 5. They just needed that first breakthrough. With Woakes injured and India sensing blood, it was game on. Siraj made that possible," said Akram.The former Pakistan captain also commended India's strategic decision to rest Bumrah for the series decider."It takes a brave team to rest their best bowler. But India had the bench strength, and the plan worked perfectly," he said."With the Asia Cup in 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026 coming up, this kind of foresight is essential. Bumrah is vital across formats, and managing him well is key," he added.The match at the Oval showcased Siraj's evolution as a frontline bowler for India, with his performance helping the team achieve a memorable victory despite the absence of Bumrah. His ability to maintain intensity throughout the series and deliver crucial breakthroughs has earned him recognition from cricket experts like Wasim Akram.This performance has established Siraj's credentials as a leading pace bowler for India in Test cricket, capable of shouldering responsibilities in crucial matches and delivering under pressure situations. His growth from being a support bowler to leading the attack marks a significant development in India's pace bowling resources.

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