“He is not just a support bowler anymore” - Wasim Akram hails Mohammed Siraj

Former Pakistan pacer and analyst Wasim Akram has heaped praise on the Indian star pacer Mohammed Siraj for the way he stepped up in the fifth and final Test against England at the Oval to help India level the series 2-2.

Notably, Siraj bowled a total of 185.3 overs in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy to emerge as the leading wicket-taker of the series, pocketing 23 wickets. Notably, he was the lone pacer from both sides to compete in all five Tests of the series without suffering from workload concerns.

In an exclusive interview with Telecom Asia Sport, Wasim asserted that Siraj is no longer a suppor bowler, but has the capability of leading the pace battery. He also stated Siraj displayed his exceptional fight with the ball after giving Harry Brook a life on Day 4 of the Oval Test.

“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.

“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.

Furthermore, Wasim, who rarely watches cricket now, was glued to the TV set on the fifth and final day of the Oval Test to witness India’s heroics. Notably, Siraj scalped a nine-wicket match haul to steer his side towards a six-run narrow win.

“I rarely watch cricket when I'm not working, but I was glued to the last day. 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," Akram observed.

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