IND vs ENG 5th Test: Dale Steyn backs Mohammed Siraj to deliver for India, makes big prediction
South African cricket legend
Dale Steyn
has predicted that
Mohammed Siraj
will take five wickets in the upcoming fifth Test match against England at the Oval. This comes as India's main bowler
Jasprit Bumrah
is likely to miss the crucial game.
India currently trail 2-1 in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Steyn
made his bold prediction on X, stating simply: "Siraj to take a fifer in the 5th Test." The prediction gains significance as India desperately needs a win to level the series.
Bumrah's absence comes after showing signs of fatigue in the drawn fourth Test, where his bowling speeds noticeably dropped. He had initially been scheduled to play only three matches during this England tour.
Dale Steyn's post on X referring to Mohammed Siraj ahead of fifth Test between India and England. (Screenshot)
Siraj has emerged as India's most reliable Test player in recent years. He holds the record for playing the most Test matches for India in the 2020s. The team's bowling attack will likely be strengthened by Akash Deep's return from injury, while
Arshdeep Singh will make his Test debut
, as was
reported by TimesofIndia.com
.
While Siraj's overall Test average of over 30 has drawn criticism, his performance significantly improves when leading the attack without Bumrah. In 15 matches without Bumrah, Siraj maintains an impressive average of 25.20, which might explain Steyn's confidence in him.
The biggest challenge for Siraj will be maintaining his energy and intensity. He has played every match of this long tour, and India need him at his best to achieve their goal of levelling the series 2-2 at the Oval.
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