“Why are you leaving, whom I would hug after taking five wickets?” Mohammed Siraj reveals his heartfelt conversation with Jasprit Bumrah

After the day's play, Mohammed Siraj opened up about his conversation with Jasprit Bumrah, who was released from the team due to workload management issues. Siraj took four wickets in England's first innings of the fifth and final Test at The Oval, playing a crucial role in dismissing England for 247. He came close to a five-wicket haul, taking key wickets of Joe Root and Ollie Pope, who were threatening in the middle order.

 

 

Siraj shared his thoughts on Bumrah's departure, saying, “I told him, 'Why are you leaving? Whom would I hug after taking five wickets?' He replied, 'I will be here; you just take five scalps.'” Despite missing out on a five-wicket haul, Siraj's performance was instrumental in restricting England's score.

Prasidh Krishna, who also claimed four wickets, highlighted the bond among the Indian pacers. “Siraj and I have been playing together for five years, including the Indian Premier League. We talk a lot, and the same goes for Akash Deep. Our bowling is looking sharp,” Krishna said.

England were 109/1 at one stage, but the Indian fast bowlers not only restricted the rivals but also kept the deficit to just 23 runs. India ended the day on 75/2, taking a lead of 52 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal was unbeaten on 51.