Mohammed Siraj no longer a support bowler: Wasim Akram praises Oval Test hero
Akram also pointed out how Siraj didn't lose focus after dropping Harry Brook's catch on Day 4, saying it was the mark of a fighter. '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,' he added.'Siraj made the Oval turnaround possible'India needed four wickets on the final day while England required 35 runs to win and secure the series. Akram said he was glued to the TV on Day 5 and gave India a sixty percent chance of winning. The legendary Pakistan pacer also said that India needed a breakthrough early and Siraj provided it. '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.Akram also praised the decision made by India to rest Bumrah for the final Test, saying that the star pacer's fitness is essential with big tournaments coming up. '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."India's next assignment in international cricket will be the Asia Cup. - Ends
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