Mohammed Siraj on cusp of big milestone as India eye series parity at The Oval
NEW DELHI: As Team India gears up for the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, all eyes will be on
Mohammed Siraj
, who stands just one wicket away from reaching a significant milestone — 200 international wickets.
The landmark could come in London, where India are pushing to level the series 2-2 after a morale-boosting draw in Manchester.
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In a series marked by intensity and unpredictability, Siraj's form will be crucial to India's chances. Though he was off-colour during the fourth Test at Old Trafford — leaking 140 runs in 30 overs with just one wicket — his overall contributions across the series remain valuable.
With 14 wickets at an average of 39.71, Siraj is India's joint-highest wicket-taker in the series alongside Jasprit Bumrah.
Poll
Will Mohammed Siraj reach 200 international wickets in the final Test against England?
Yes
No
Across 100 international matches, Siraj has picked up 199 wickets at an average of 29.09, including five five-wicket hauls. Tests have been his strongest format, where he has bagged 114 wickets in 40 matches at 31.84. Four of his five-wicket hauls in Tests have come outside Asia — one each in Australia, England, South Africa and the West Indies — underlining his effectiveness on overseas pitches.
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England have been a productive hunting ground for the pacer. In 10 Tests on English soil, Siraj has taken 37 wickets at 36.16, including a memorable 6/70 at Edgbaston earlier in this series. His last appearance at The Oval came during the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia, where he claimed five wickets, including a four-for in the first innings.
With a milestone in sight and the series on the line, India will be hoping for another Siraj's trademark 'Miyan Magic' once again.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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