IND vs ENG: The exciting series of five Test matches being played between England and India is at its last stop and the end of the fifth Test being played at the Oval ground now seems to be very exciting.
The match is in perfect balance after the fourth day’ s play, where England need only 35 runs to win, while India have to pick up England’s remaining four wickets to win the match and level the series .
In this difficult situation, the spirit shown by India’s bowlers in the last session of the fourth day has once again exposed the fighting spirit of the team.
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India once again breathed life into the match by sending back Root and Harry Brook, who were both centurions and were leading England to victory.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel’s message – “Patience and struggle are essential”
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has motivated his team ahead of the final day’s play, saying that a lot is still possible and the team will have to give their best till the last ball.
He said:
“Conceding defeat in such an important Test match is not an option. The most important thing for us was to break that partnership and create a new challenge. We have seen many times that things change quickly after a wicket falls. “
“The way the team reacted on the fourth day was commendable. Now our focus will be on getting mentally prepared and going into the field and keeping the ball in the right areas. That’s the strategy that can get us the last four wickets. “
“Patience is the best weapon at crucial junctures,” Morkel said. Players should read the game with a cool head instead of getting carried away by emotions and proceed according to the strategy.
IND vs ENG: Mohammed Siraj—India’s Biggest Hope
If India has to win this match and bring the series to a 2-2 draw, then fast bowler Mohammed Siraj will play the most important role in this mission. Siraj has proved to be India’s most successful bowler in this series so far with 20 wickets and his aggression, rhythm and passion have led the team forward on many occasions.
Mohammed Siraj has now etched his name among India’s top wicket-takers in overseas Test matches.
With 100 wickets in just 27 overseas Tests, Siraj joins an elite list of Indian bowlers who have made a significant impact outside home conditions.
Leading this prestigious list is legendary spinner Anil Kumble, who claimed 269 wickets in 69 overseas Tests. He is followed by Kapil Dev, with 215 wickets in 66 matches, and Zaheer Khan, who also crossed the 200-mark with 207 wickets in 54 Tests. Ishant Sharma matched Zaheer’s tally of 207 wickets but in 63 matches, while Jasprit Bumrah has already grabbed 172 wickets in just 36 Tests, highlighting his rapid rise.
Other notable names include Ravichandran Ashwin (154 wickets in 41 matches), Mohammed Shami (153 wickets in 42 matches), Harbhajan Singh (152 wickets in 48 matches), Bishan Singh Bedi (129 wickets in 37 matches), Javagal Srinath (128 wickets in 35 matches), and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar (100 wickets in 26 matches).
Now, Mohammed Siraj, with his 100 wickets in only 27 overseas Tests, stands proudly alongside these Indian greats. Achieving this feat in relatively fewer matches not only underlines his consistency but also signals his growing stature as a key component of India’s pace attack on foreign soil.
Morne Morkel heaped praise on Siraj, saying:
“I am very happy that Siraj is now getting the right recognition for his hard work. He is always at the forefront of the dressing room, even though he does not speak much but leads the team with his performance. “
“There were times when we needed to do something special – whether it was bowling two extra overs, or taking out a breakthrough in a difficult time – Siraj has always taken the initiative. “
Match Situation – Story of Day 4
The England team, which seemed to be heading for a comfortable victory at one stage, was shaken by India’s bowlers in the final session of the fourth day.
Joe Root, who had laid the foundation for England’s victory by scoring a century, opened the way for India’s comeback by dismissing him. As soon as Harry Brook got the wicket, the game seemed to tilt towards India for a few moments.
Now the fight is completely based on mental strength and strategy. India will have to put pressure on England at the beginning of the fifth day and take early wickets to put pressure on the remaining batsmen.
Team’s Courage and Spirit
Team India’s biggest strength has been its fighting spirit. Whether it is Australia’s Gabba Test or the previous series in England, India has always fought and bounced back in difficult situations.
This time too, the fifth day of the Oval Test is another golden opportunity for India, when it can show the world how its players compete with courage, not with the situation.
Morne Morkel’s “plan—Smart Cricket“
Coach Morkel also said that aggression alone is not enough, but it is important to play smart cricket.
“In today’s time, speed or swing alone does not work. You have to read the mindset of the batsmen, set the fielding, and the purpose of each ball has to be fixed. “
He said that the team has to go on the field with positive thinking and follow their plan completely.
Conclusion: Will India be able to create history?
Now the question is only 35 runs and 4 wickets. When the players take to the field, it will not be just a day’s play, but the hard work, mental strength and national honor of the entire series will be at stake.
If India wins, it will not just be a Test match victory, but a historic comeback. And if anyone can make this moment in India’s kitty, it is Mohammed Siraj and India’s fast bowlers.
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