End of Harry Brook's entertaining innings and England's first innings with a lead of 23 runs. Mohammed Siraj cut Harry Brook in half to disrupt the stumps. As soon as Brook lost his wicket, England finished their business in the first innings at The Oval, London. 

When the England cricket team was facing a ruthless Indian pace bowling attack, Brook remained firm on the crease and delivered a Test half-century. It was his 13th Test fifty, which came only against 57 balls. The middle-order batter completed his half-century in an over of Mohammed Siraj and departed against the same bowler.

Despite conceding over 5 runs in aggregate, Siraj kept faith in his strategy, maintaining the line on the wicket. The delivery, which Brook also took, was pitch in line. The 26-year-old batter tried to guide the good-length ball on the leg side but got only an inside edge, and the ball landed behind into the stumps. Harry Brook went to the hut for 53 (64), and Siraj jumped in the air with his signature celebration.

Mohammed Siraj bowls Harry Brook and England are all out for 247, leading India by 23 runs! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/FYbcKOR1f0

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 1, 2025

Read More: WATCH: KL Rahul defends Prasidh Krishna amid altercation with Joe Root during first innings of ENG vs IND fifth Test

Mohammed Siraj is now leading the wicket-taking tally 

In the first phase of the match, the India pacer got 4 wickets in his 16.2-over spell. With 18 wickets to his name, Mohammed Siraj becomes the leading wicket-taker in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, 2025, an incredible achievement for the pacer. His bowling partner Prasidh Krishna also trapped 4 batters in the process. 

The boys in blue bundled the host for 247 on Day 2, that too without their prime bowler Jasprit Bumrah. India posted 224; batting first, they trailed behind England by only 23 runs.

Harry Brook created a moment of pure magic on Day 2 of the fifth Test between England and India at The Oval, as he swept Mohammed Siraj for a six while falling over, drawing immediate comparisons to the bravery and flamboyance of Rishabh Pant.

With England reeling at 242 for 8 in the 48th over, and with only an 18-run lead, Brook was now the only man standing at one end - it was wickets galore at the other end. Playing with considered aggression, and under no apparent pressure with the field now spread to fend off the runs, Brook picked his moments admirably to counterattack. The highlight came when he shuffled across the stumps and clubbed a glorious full sweep over deep fine leg from Siraj. The ball went into the crowd as Brook toppled over, much like Pant had done famously during his epic innings at Old Trafford in 2022.

The crowd erupted, and even Ben Stokes, watching like the rest of us in the dressing room, looked suitably impressed. Brook's intent was clear: he wanted to retain strike, shield the tail-enders, and increase England's lead. He turned down singles repeatedly, making sure that Josh Tongue faced as few balls as possible.

Watch the video:

The tumbling sweep for six 🫡

Pant or Brook - who does it better? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/b3gNQOXrHP

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 1, 2025

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Rain Stops Play Just as Brook's Brilliance Puts England Ahead

But just as momentum appeared to be building, the clouds rolled in. A spittle of rain began intensifying, forcing the umpires to call for covers and stop the game. "It might have just been a passing shower," said umpire Kumar Dharmasena, though the message from the ground is that rain should linger for nearly an hour.

Brook had just entered the block the rain, reaching an unbeaten 48 off 49 balls. He played a crucial innings, playing recklessly, but in a circumstance of high stress, with the Test match being tied with the series locked at 2-2. Golinger took one of several brave shots which might have brought England hope of a significant lead, but for now, it is The Oval weather that is front of mind.

With a lengthy play and World Test Championship points and series implications, every run and moment is illuminated. If the rain eases and play resumes (some hope), Brook's breathtaking shot will surely become a turning point.

Indian pacers put the visitors right back on track in The Oval Test, and it became effectively visible after the Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj dismissed the English legend Joe Root, who had no clue how to handle that delivery. 

After India were bowled out for 224 runs, the English openers provided a flying start with a 92-run partnership in just 12.5 overs. But once that partnership was broken, the Indian pacers dominated with the ball and took regular wickets, as the hosts England were struggling at 215/7 at tea. 

Joe Root and Harry Brook were fighting hard as they had a 33-run partnership for the fourth wicket, while the Indian pacers were asking questions to the batters. Prasidh Krishna made life difficult for Root, while Mohammed Siraj also tested the second leading run-scorer in Test cricket history.

[WATCH] Mohammed Siraj strikes again to dismiss Jacob Bethell in 5th Test at The Oval

Mohammed Siraj trapped Joe Root

After conceding two fours in the first two balls, Siraj ended the over with the key wicket of Joe Root. Siraj delivered with a scrambled seam while it came quicker to Root, who had no clue, and it hit straight to his front pad. The non-striker end umpire Ahsan Raza had no doubt about that as he raised his finger to give it out.  

Root went for a review to check his luck, but it had no chance, as it was a plumb, and the visitors purchased an important wicket to make a comeback in the game. The former English Test captain was dismissed for 29 runs. 

Watch Joe Root's dismissal

That’s massive! 💥

Mohammed Siraj gets the huge breakthrough, Joe Root is gone!#ENGvIND 👉 5th TEST, DAY 2 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/SsOchMIRoq

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) August 1, 2025

The visitors India are trailing the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy by 2-1 as it is their must-win game, which is the final Test of the five-match series. If India can't win the Test, they will lose this series, while they only have the best result chance to draw the Test series by winning the ongoing The Oval Test. 

DRS overturned the decision taken by the on-field umpire. Mohammed Siraj got the wicket of Ollie Pope, the skipper of England, for the final encounter of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar trophy. 

On the safe surface of The Oval, where India suffered a batting collapse, England has started their innings with their well-known style of batting—aggression from the beginning. Zak Crawley scored 64, Ben Duckett got 43, and England was 92 for 1 when their captain walked into the crease. The combination of Crawley and Pope was crucial for them. The opener was applying the Bazball method, and Pope, with his methodical batting, could baffle the India bowling line-up. 

Akash Deep did not allow the partnership to prolong; he cleared the path for Crawley's return to the pavilion, and then Siraj registered his name on the scorecard. 

Read More: [Watch] WCL 2025: AB de Villiers' otherworldly catch sends back Chris Lynn

Pope was in surprise 

On the 5th delivery of the 25th over, Siraj bowled a quicker ball angled towards Ollie Pope. The red Duke ball hits the green deck and slides from the official outside of the off-stump area to the leg stump. The right-handed batter had very little time to react. Perhaps he did not expect the ball to move so much. Siraj found the back leg of the batter. Pope lost his balance right in front of the wicket, and India applied heavily for an LBW, but the umpire ruled out their application. 

#OlliePope goes back to the pavilion as #MohammedSiraj traps him with a brilliant in-swinger 🤩#ENGvIND 👉 5th TEST, DAY 2 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar 👉 https://t.co/TY23MOyDXC pic.twitter.com/d8TbtD3gcP

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) August 1, 2025

Team India did not hesitate to take the help of the Decision Review System, and they were proved right. An on-field decision was overturned after a review. Ollie Pope departed for 22 off 44; India got their 3rd wicket of Day 2 of the England vs India 5th Test.

Despite repeated injury threats, India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been constantly making record after record in the international arena. In a recently surfaced list of records, Bumrah again grabbed the top spot of the chart, placing himself far away from a few other active star bowlers on the planet.

According to the stat list for the bowlers who delivered the most in international cricket in 2024, the India speed star is in first place. While another India pacer, Mohammed Siraj, is in the second spot of the ladder. In the previous year, Bumrah successfully completed 516 overs, and Siraj performed in 498 overs. After Bumrah and Siraj, it was Australia's Mitchell Starc who registered his name in the third spot with 481 overs. The fourth place went to Alzarii Joseph, another modern-era effective fast bowler. The West Indies international, in 2024, covered a total of 468 overs. 

Last year, Bumrah remained in the headlines constantly. The pacer from Mumbai remained as a key figure of Indian cricket. With the combination of skills and passion for the game, the right-handed player is more lethal. When India was in trouble against Australia during the Border Gavaskar Trophy, he emerged as the constant figure who delivered the most on the field.

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Due to excessive pressure, he got himself injured and went out from international duties for a long period of time. In the Brisbane and Melbourne Tests, the pacer bagged a total of 18 wickets, 9 wickets from each match, and got 8 wickets in the Perth Test, 2024. 

Fast bowlers with the most overs in 2024:

• Jasprit Bumrah (India): 516 Overs
• Mohammed Siraj (India): 498 Overs
• Mitchell Starc (Australia): 481 Overs
• Alzarri Joseph (West Indies): 468 Overs

India endured a tough outing on Day 3 of the ongoing Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, as they were made to field throughout the day. After being bowled out for 358 in their first innings, the visitors struggled to contain a dominant England batting line-up. By stumps, England had posted a mammoth 544/7, taking a commanding lead of 186 runs. With the hosts expected to bat further on Day 4, India’s bowlers will face another stern test. The lack of breakthroughs and mounting pressure have left the team on the back foot heading into the penultimate day.

Following the day's play, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed the media and admitted concerns over the team’s bowling performance. He noted a clear lack of energy and bite among the pace attack and pointed out a significant dip in speed and intensity from the fast bowlers. Morkel acknowledged that the Indian seamers failed to generate the kind of pressure needed on a pitch that didn’t offer much assistance. He emphasized the need for improved rhythm and sharper execution as India looks to bounce back in the remainder of the match.

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"We are trying to wrap our heads around it. Not too much to judge in that, but it was a heavy outfield. But we need energy on the ball on a surface like this," India's bowling coach told reporters at the end of day's play on day 3.

We were much better today with the ball: Morne Morkel

The dip in Jasprit Bumrah's pace has become a worrying trend for India in the ongoing Test. At Headingley, 39.84% of his deliveries crossed the 140 kmph mark, while at Lord's, it was 26.84%. However, at Old Trafford, only one of his 173 deliveries (including no-balls) exceeded that speed, just 0.57%. This sharp decline reflects the fatigue or possible fitness concerns plaguing India’s pace spearhead. As the team heads into Day 4, Bumrah’s lack of pace and penetration could pose a serious threat to their chances of bouncing back in the match.

India's bowling unit struggled to make inroads on Day 3, as England ended with a massive 544/7, enjoying a commanding lead of 186 runs. Joe Root's masterclass of 150 and Ollie Pope's crucial 71 kept the Indian attack at bay, marking the first time since 2015 that India conceded over 500 runs in an overseas Test innings. Despite the struggles, bowling coach Morne Morkel noted a slight improvement in discipline from the previous day, although the lack of intensity and penetration remained a concern heading into a crucial Day 4.

"We were much better today with the ball. Yesterday was a tough day. Siraj and Boom (Bumrah) started well today. Both Bumrah and Siraj had injury scares before Tea, leaving the field in discomfort. Morkel downplayed the concerns, saying, "Bumrah rolled his ankle going down the stairs, Siraj also rolled his ankle. Both are fine. India handed a debut to Anshul Kamboj in this crucial Test, who has just the one wicket of Ben Duckett to show for, which came on Day 2. "We needed someone who could bowl volume and is accurate. His name was in the mix for a long time," Morkel said.

Mohammed Siraj made the session more interesting. When England was in a commendable position, Siraj sparked. He got the wicket of all-rounder Chris Woakes. The India pacer clean bowled the lower-order batter of England. Cutting through the shield of Woakes, the ball went straight and hit the stumps.

The pace bowling all-rounder went after making only 4 runs against 17 balls. The third session of Day 3 dragged the Manchester Test at a crucial point. Within ten overs, the host lost three back-to-back wickets, and the momentum of the match suddenly hinted at making a shift.

Though, Ben Stokes's side got the lead in reply to India's first innings of 358. The wicket of Woakes is not only important for Team India but also for Siraj himself. Because, from Day 2, the pacer was not at his best, leaking a good amount of runs without taking any wicket until the arrow found the bullseye in the form of Chris Woakes. When Woakes fell short, England was already at 528 on the scoreboard.

"Siuuu!"

Mohammed Siraj dropped a Cristiano Ronaldo #CR7 celebration at the 'other' Old Trafford after dismissing Chris Woakes 👀#BBCCricket #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/jHvYrL9TwL

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) July 25, 2025

Read More: 'That's what India's...' - Michael Vaughan makes bold remark after Day 2 of ENG vs IND 2025 4th Test

India went back into the match with force

Captain Ben Stokes returned to the crease after retiring hurt. So far in the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy, Stokes, on multiple occasions, appeared as India's toughest hurdle for the Shubman Gill-led side. In the session, India managed to get rid of Joe Root, who made a rock-solid 150 off 248. Then they got Jamie Smith and Woakes simultaneously. 

Ravindra Jadeja clinched the wicket of Root, Jasprit Bumrah cleared Jamie Smith from the crease, and Siraj bagged Woakes' timbers. The Indian bowling department finally started to get back in their rhythm, a great chance for India to take some more advantages before the stumps of Day 3.

A painful moment for Ben Stokes. Went down on his knees in the middle. An unexpected incident in Mohammed Siraj's over. 

After the 90th over of the innings, India decided to get a new red Duke. Before claiming it, Siraj bowled two deliveries with the old one and then moved to the new. After warming up with the old ball, the India pacer steams into the crease with some extra acceleration. The ball got some movement and went straight to hit the England captain. 

It was the third and the first delivery with the second new ball of India's bowling. It was a back-of-the-length delivery; in the middle, Ben Stokes was on his back foot with a defensive mindset. But the new ball probably went more sharply than the expectations of Stokes. He wanted to play the ball but missed it by inches and got hit right around the box. He was in pain, down on his haunches. Siraj went a few steps forward towards the batter. After a while, Ben went again on his knees, and the game resumed. 

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England cruising at Old Trafford, Manchester 

Like Day 2, today (Day 3), India bowlers have been searching for the right spot of the deck to hit the ball. The host started the day with eight wickets in hand. Their openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, missed their tons by only some runs.

Joe Root kept his nerves calm and claimed his century. Despite the blow, Stokes has maintained a controlled character on the wicket to support Root at Old Trafford. India needs some magical overs to shift the momentum of the match. Before the launch, England was looking in a comfortable situation.

Watch the delivery here

DSP Siraj 🥶😮‍💨#INDVsENGLive #INDvsENG #OldTraffordpic.twitter.com/7j8BMWwO8N

— EdgeBuzz (@DailyCricketbuz) July 25, 2025

On Day 2 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, Team India fast-bowler Mohammed Siraj was involved in a heated confrontation with England opener Ben Duckett. It occurred at a time when the game was intense, and Star Sports managed to capture the moment on camera and post it on social media. While it was not clear what sparked their argument, they were exchanging words enough for the umpire to be forced to talk to both players about their behaviour. What was obvious was that this series is a close one, and emotions were running high.

The incident with Siraj and Duckett reminded some of the nasty confrontations from the third Test at Lord's when tempers often boiled over. One of the more prominent flashpoints from that match involved Indian skipper Shubman Gill accusing England batter Zak Crawley of deliberately wasting time on Day 3. The aggressive tone set in that game appears to have spilled into the fourth Test, keeping the atmosphere tense between both sides.

See Also: Ben Stokes joins elite club in unique record during ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

Siraj, who was previously fined 15 per cent of his match fee and slapped with a demerit point for an over-the-top celebration after dismissing Duckett at Lord’s, will be cautious this time around. Having already been sanctioned once in the series, the 31-year-old Indian pacer is likely aware that any further breach of conduct could result in more serious consequences. With both teams fighting hard in the series, maintaining composure will be key as the action continues to intensify at Old Trafford.

Watch the video here;

Tempers flared between Ben Duckett and M. Siraj. 🔥#ENGvIND 👉 4th TEST, DAY 2 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar 👉 https://t.co/Y3btplYguV pic.twitter.com/MmTP86rXNU

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 24, 2025

Mohammed Siraj goes wicketless on Day 2

The Hyderabad-born Mohammed Siraj toiled hard once again on Day 2 of the Manchester Test but endured a forgettable outing, finishing with figures of 10-0-58-0. He struggled to contain England’s aggressive openers as Ben Duckett played a brilliant knock of 94, forging a rapid 166-run partnership with Zak Crawley in just 31.6 overs. Although both batters narrowly missed out on centuries, their explosive stand put England in a strong position. The hosts ended Day 2 at 225/2, trailing by just 133 runs and carrying significant momentum into the third day of the fourth Test.

Earlier in the day, India resumed at 264/4 and managed to post a total of 358, thanks in part to a courageous effort from Rishabh Pant. Despite sustaining a painful toe injury on Day 1, Pant returned to contribute a vital 54 runs. Shardul Thakur added a handy 41, but the innings was wrapped up by England skipper Ben Stokes, who claimed a five-wicket haul. For India, debutant Anshul Kamboj and Ravindra Jadeja were the only wicket-takers in England’s first innings as the visitors looked to bounce back with the ball.

An epic collaboration ahead of England vs. India 4th Test at Old Trafford (ENG vs IND 4th Test)—footballers of Manchester United and Team India cricketers exchanged some memorable moments before the highly intense battle. 

One of the key moments during the meetup came when Manchester United defender Harry Maguire faced India star pacer Mohammed Siraj. Maguire did not hesitate to lift a bat to face a delivery from Siraj. The England international shared some photos of the epic event. From the photos it is crystal clear that the defendant enjoyed every bit of the moments with Team India. Especially the time with Siraj. Siraj also relished every inch of those moments. The speed star shared Maguire's Instagram post on his official Instagram story.

The professional footballer tried to play cricket with Siraj as the bowler. Harry faced the fiery deliveries with a big smile on his face. The center back interacted with Jasprit Bumrah also. 

Watch the pictures here

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Harry Maguire (@harrymaguire93)

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Mohammed Siraj making his mark on the English soil

After making a comeback in Team India colors, Mohammed Siraj became one of the reliable bowlers from the beginning of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar trophy. In the previous three matches with the home team, England, Siraj, in total, claimed 12 wickets.

 The 31-year-old proved most effective in Edgbaston, when India and England were up against each other for the 2nd game of the series. India snatched a historic victory in that battle. The seamer bagged 6 wickets in the first innings of the match and another one in the following phase. At Old Trafford, Siraj again will try to do his best to pull back his team on the winning track.