THE OVAL (LONDON): Even die-hard fans were sceptical about how much India's bowling line-up could shake England in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. England felt like they had almost won the game when they found out that Bumrah was not playing at the Oval. After losing the match by six runs which they thought they would win easily, the English and any cricket fan will no longer see Siraj as Bumrah's shadow.

There are some players who mark history beyond stats and numbers. When we think of them, the first thing that comes to mind is the battle spirit they showed on the field and the sweat they shed there, beyond their excellent performances. Siraj, who has earned the title of 'whole-hearted trier' since the day he debuted, is one such player. When we hear Siraj's name, the first thing that comes to mind is the title of someone who bowls with his heart.

As Ravi Shastri said in the commentary, he runs to the popping crease with the same energy in any session of a Test. When the English team was all out for 247 from 124/1 in the first innings at The Oval, the decisive factor was Siraj's marathon spell of eight consecutive overs in the post-lunch session on the second day. This spell really played a big role in turning the game in India's favour at The Oval.

With just 35 runs to go on the final day, the English players must have thought they would be crowned champions of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Even when Prasidh Krishna delivered a first over that contained two boundaries, Siraj managed to deliver with the accuracy of delivering every ball of his first over at a good length without needing a single warm-up delivery. When coupled with the accuracy and a speed of 140 kmph, Siraj's destructive power increased even further.

After the disappointment of losing a catch to Harry Brook at a crucial time, Mohammed Siraj came back with courage, and he quickly jumped from villain to hero. Siraj came out to bowl for India today with complete confidence. His energy is clear from his words. “I woke up in the morning and checked google on my phone and took out a ‘Believe’ emoji wallpaper and told myself that I will do it for the country.”

Siraj has often been criticised for not being able to match Bumrah's brilliance and for not providing good support. Although he has been criticised for not even being in the top 10 bowlers in India, Siraj is not far behind in terms of commitment. 5 consecutive Tests against Australia, 2 months of IPL, and now 5 consecutive Tests against England, Siraj is still bowling with blood and sweat without getting tired. As India returns with its heads held high after tying the series, 'DSP Siraj' is confident of leading the team's bowling line-up from the front as the leading wicket-taker.