[WATCH] 'Fake Angriness'- Joe Root reacts to Mohammed Siraj's bowling during ENG vs IND 5th Test

Mohammed Siraj was the only Indian bowler by the end of the fourth day’s play of the fifth Test between England and India at the Kennington Oval to run in hard and put every inch of his energy level in the field. Despite playing all five fixtures over the seven weeks and bowling over 180 overs in the series, Siraj had the same intensity.

Joe Root, who celebrated his 13th century against India with successive centuries at Lord’s, Manchester, and the Oval, felt that Siraj was a real warrior, who, at times, would show a little bit of fake anger. He reckoned that Siraj had been the player whom everyone would want on their side.

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‘He is a character. He is a warrior, you know. He is a real warrior. He is someone you want in your team. He is that kind of character. He gives everything for India, and it’s, you know, credit to him for that. The way he approaches his cricket, and he has like, fake angriness about him sometimes, which I can straight through. You can tell he’s a nice lad.’ The former England captain expressed this in the press conference.

Watch: Joe Root highlights Mohammed Siraj’s bowling during ENG vs IND 5th Test

Siraj has toiled hard for 26 overs in the second innings with figures of 2/95, following his incredible hard work in the first innings with 4/86 in 16.2 overs. He would, however, need to give one final push on this trip.

JOE ROOT ON SIRAJ:

- "He is a Warrior, someone you want in the team". 🥶 pic.twitter.com/ZPm3Y5MXVE

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 4, 2025

‘But he tries it incredibly hard. He is a very skillful player, and that’s the reason why he has taken the wickets he has. One reason is his work ethic, and the other is his skill level. I enjoy playing against him. He always had a big smile on his face, and he gave everything for him. So I guess, you couldn’t want anything more of that as a fan watching, and a great example to any player lining up.’ Root address of the Hyderabad-born.

England would need 35 runs to win the game on the fifth day with four wickets in hand. Chris Woakes, despite his shoulder injury, is likely to put his body on the line for the national side.