Mohammed Siraj once again showed why he is one of India’s most trusted fast bowlers. He bowled a powerful spell on Day 2 of the final Test against England at The Oval. Just when it looked like the England batters were taking control of the game, Siraj stepped up with a brilliant performance after lunch.

Day 2 of the fifth Test between India and England was full of action, with seam, swing, and batting collapses. A total of 15 wickets fell in the day, the most in a single day’s play in this series. This broke the previous record of 14 wickets, which fell on Day 4 of the second Test at Lord’s.

After the end of Day 2, in a BCCI podcast, Siraj was asked about taking extra pressure and extra responsibility in the absence of Bumrah, and about his bonding with Prasidh Krishna. The speedster said he loves taking responsibility when the team needs him.

Also Read -[WATCH] 'You Can't Talk Like That' - Umpire Kumar Dharmasena in heated chat with KL Rahul during ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Siraj and Krishna Shine with Four Wickets Each

Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj were the stars for India in the first innings, taking four wickets each. The two pacers made sure England’s lead stayed small. In the second session on Friday, Siraj adjusted his length, bowled tighter lines, and used the old Dukes ball to get subtle movement. He also used the wobble seam as a variation. Siraj set up batters with gentle away swingers before bringing in a sharp nip-backer.

By doing this, Siraj and Krishna joined an elite list. They became only the fifth Indian pair to take 4+ wickets each in a Test innings in England. This was Siraj’s second time on the list, as he had done the same with Akash Deep in the Birmingham Test of this series.

India Lead by 52 Runs After Day 2

On Day 2, India bowled England out for 247 in the first innings, with Siraj and Krishna putting in an excellent performance. With the bat, India had a slow start. KL Rahul scored 7 runs, and Sai Sudarshan made 11 before getting out. By the end of the day, Yashasvi Jaiswal was unbeaten on 51 off 49 balls, and Akash Deep was on 4*. India lead by 52 runs and will aim to post a big total on Day 3.

Siraj said "I love taking Responsibility". 🫡 pic.twitter.com/UllZf2qlBG

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 2, 2025

Indian Pairs with 4+ Wicket Hauls in a Test in England:

• L Amarnath (5/96) & V Mankad (5/101), Manchester, 1946
• V Prasad (5/71) & J Srinath (5/103), Birmingham, 1996
• RP Singh (5/59) & Z Khan (4/79), Lord's, 2007
• M Siraj (6/70) & A Deep (4/88), Birmingham, 2025
• P Krishna (4/62) & M Siraj (4/88), The Oval, 2025

Siraj has also reached a personal milestone. He is now the 15th Indian fast bowler to take 200 or more international wickets. Kapil Dev leads the list with 687 wickets, followed by Zaheer Khan (597) and Javagal Srinath (551). Mohammed Shami (462), Jasprit Bumrah (457), and Ishant Sharma (434) are also ahead on the list.

The first ball from Prasidh Krishna went past the outside edge of Joe Root, who went with a straight bat to defend it. However, once the bowler pulled the length back, the right-handed batter cut it through square for a boundary and had a heated argument with the bowler, who later had a few words with the umpires, as the entire Indian team got engaged in the meeting. 

‘I don't know why Rooty (Joe Root reacted). I just said, 'You're looking in great shape,' and then it turned into a lot of abuse and all of that.’ Krishna said to the BBC’s Test Match Special at the end of the play, having ended with a fine figures of 4/62 in 16 overs, including the wickets of Zak Crawley, Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, and Gus Atkinson.

See Also: [WATCH] Ben Duckett reverse sweeps Akash Deep for maximum on Day 2 of ENG vs IND 5th Test at Kennington Oval

‘That was the plan, but I didn't expect the couple of words I said to get such a big reaction from him.’ Krishna, later, admitted that he wanted to break the bubble of the Yorkshire batter, who was fresh from two successive centuries in the series at Lord’s and Manchester, but failed with 29 runs at the Oval.

Prasidh Krishna gives shocking reason for heated battle with Joe Root during ENG vs IND 5th Test

‘If it means that I have a bit of a chat with the batter, and it does help me when I can get under the nerves of the batsman and get a reaction from them. But I love the guy that he is. He is a legend of the game, and I think it is great when two people are out there wanting to do the best and be a winner at a given moment.’ The Bengaluru-born added.

It had not been a great start for the pacer in the first couple of games at Leeds and Edgbaston, after he was smashed around the park by the lower and middle order of the England batting line-up. However, at Oval, he seemed to have drawn a plan and bowl according to that.

India finished the second day with a lead of 52 runs for the loss of two wickets. Yashasvi Jaiswal has smacked an unbeaten 51 runs in 49 balls as the visitors will hope for the southpaw to carry forward and give them a good start on the third morning.

ENG vs IND 5th Test Day 2:

India: 224 and 75/2 (Second Innings)

England: 247

India lead by 52 runs

Team India has started to create something from the scrap. When they got bundled for only 224, supported by another batting collapse in the series, the possibility of a brutal defeat came into the equation. 

The fightback showcased by Jasprit Bumrah-less Indian bowling attack was remarkable. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna took 4 wickets each, and Akash Deep took one.

England could not hold the momentum set by their openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. Harry Brook scored another Test fifty. England got a lead by only 23 runs. Before the stumps of Day 2 of the England vs. India 5th Test, the visiting side has taken the lead by 52 runs. The freshness of the green surface has started to drop, and India will try to utilize the conditions to get a healthy lead on Day 3.

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

The match is all set for another interaction day

They already lost a couple of top-order batters—KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan—in the second innings with 75 runs on the board. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal remained solid on the track and will try to continue from 51*. He'll be accompanied by Akash Deep, the night watchman.

The surprising entries of Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson so far have done their parts brilliantly. In the first innings, Atkinson got 5, and Tongue went for three Team India batters. They already opened their accounts in the fresh innings of the game. On a slightly old surface, the contest between India batters and England bowlers will be more interesting to watch. 

ENG vs IND 5th Test Day 2 Scoreboard in brief:

England: 247/10

India: 75/2 (Second Innings)

A verbal exchange between Prasidh Krishna and Joe Root caused a heated moment in the middle of The Oval. When Krishna and Root were engaged in heated verbal confrontation, KL Rahul walked into the scenario to stand up for his teammate. The act shown by Rahul won the hearts of Indian cricket fans. They found the moment as the perfect example of the senior player's captaincy skill. 

The incident was staged during the 22nd over of Day 2 of the England vs India 5th Test. In the 4th delivery, Prasidh Krishna's outswing just missed taking an edge from right-handed Joe Root. To create extra pressure, he extended his follow-up and threw some words to Root. In the following delivery, Krishna again targeted the area around the off stump; this time, the England batter easily guided the ball through the point region for a boundary. Again, Krishna said something to the batsman; in return, Root did not choose to hold back. 

The moment got heated by the exchange of words from those two cricketers. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena stepped into the occasion to ease the matter. Other Team India players also rushed into the spot. Captain Shubman Gill also reached there to inspect the situation, but he chose to stand only like an audience. 

Read More: [WATCH] ENG vs IND 5th Test: Ollie Pope bamboozled by Mohammed Siraj, DRS overruled on-field umpire decision

KL Rahul stood tall

At that moment, KL Rahul came forward to support his teammate Prasidh Krishna. Rahul simply was not happy about Dharmasena. The senior player of Team India told the umpire, and he did not hesitate to reflect his displeasure about the whole matter. 

KL RAHUL - A LEADER. 🔥

- Class KL leading India at The Oval at the moment.
https://t.co/UAaNOs8awV

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) August 1, 2025

Despite a batting collapse, the Indian bowling department did well to pull their team back on the track. Mohammed Siraj took the wicket of Root. In a rain-delayed Day 2, Prasidh Krishna and Siraj displayed what they can do on a green deck under an overcast situation. 

India didn’t make a great start in the pre-lunch session with the ball. After getting dismissed for 224 runs, just 20 runs more than where they finished on the opening day of the fifth Test of the five-match series against England at the Kennington Oval in South London, they were smacked right, left, and center by the home openers, Ben Duckett and Zak Duckett.

But after the break, they were tight with the line and lengths. With the pressure on, Crawley looked to smash the ball on the short length but didn’t get the expected elevation as Ravindra Jadeja grabbed a fine catch running backwards. Joe Root walked into the middle and jostled out of the calm nature to get engaged in a fiery argument with Krishna.

See Also: [WATCH] Ben Duckett reverse sweeps Akash Deep for maximum on Day 2 of ENG vs IND 5th Test at Kennington Oval

The Yorkshire batter missed the very first ball as the seaming delivery went past his outside edge into the hands of the wicket-keeper. While going back to his mark, Krishna gave a few words to the batter, who walked down the surface in reply to the words. That was quite unnatural of the former England captain.

Watch: Prasidh Krishna’s heated argument with Joe Root during ENG vs IND 5th Test

The second ball was pulled up towards the bowling end as Root timed it through the square region for a boundary. Krishna wasn’t pleased with the shot anticipatedly and had a few words at the batter, who was fired up and walked down the pitch to show his heat at the Karnataka bowler before punching the gloves with Ollie Pope.

Joe Root and Prasidh Krishna interaction #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/5zOGWj84QQ

— ascii13 (@zeracast) August 1, 2025

The umpires had a chat with the bowler towards the end of the over. Later, Dhruv Jurel, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul also came into discussion with the pacer. Before the start of the next over, as Root was standing in the bowling end, the umpire also had a word with him before Mohammed Siraj burst into that.

England also saw their captain going back to the dressing room after being wrapped on the pads by an in-swinging delivery from Siraj. The review helped India in that cause, as the umpire had to overturn his decision.

India is currently contesting the final match of the Anderson-Tendulkar series against England, with the hosts leading 2-1 in the five-match series. After managing to secure a draw in the fourth Test from a difficult position, the Indian side entered the last Test with renewed confidence and a strong mindset.

Before the start of the match, Indian captain Shubman Gill announced the playing XI, confirming a major change in the pace attack. Jasprit Bumrah, one of India’s key fast bowlers, has been rested for the final Test as part of the team’s workload management strategy.

In Bumrah’s absence, Prasidh Krishna has been named as his replacement in the squad. The team management hopes this change will provide balance while ensuring Bumrah remains fit for future assignments. The decision highlights India’s cautious approach to player fitness amid a busy international calendar.

See Also: ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test, Toss Update: England wins the toss and elected to bowl first

Jasprit Bumrah to Miss the 5th IND vs ENG Test:

During the pre-match press conference, skipper Shubman Gill mentioned that the final decision on Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion would depend on the pitch and weather conditions. However, at the toss, Gill confirmed that Bumrah would not play the match, and Prasidh Krishna would step in as his replacement for the final Test of the series.

India has made three changes to its lineup ahead of the final Test match. The new pace trio includes Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna, while the spin department will be led by Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. These adjustments are aimed at balancing the squad for the conditions expected in the final match.

Jasprit Bumrah was initially expected to play only three Tests in the five-match series. After delivering an exhausting 33 overs in the fourth Test at Manchester, there were doubts about his availability for the final clash at The Oval. Considering workload management, the team has opted to rest him, bringing in Prasidh Krishna to complete the bowling lineup.

India head into the final Test at The Oval facing a 2–1 series deficit after a thrilling draw at Old Trafford. It was a Test that demanded character, and the Indian team responded with exactly that. Centuries from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar rescued India after being reduced to 0 for 2 in the second innings and trailing by 311 runs.

But amid the fightback, one reality stood out: India’s bowling unit looked completely drained. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, both having bowled tirelessly all series, now appear in serious need of rest. With the series still up for grabs, the fifth Test presents not just an opportunity to level the score but also to inject fresh energy and test deserving names on the fringes. Here are five players who have earned a spot in India’s playing XI for the all-important clash at The Oval:

1. Arshdeep Singh 

Arshdeep Singh is yet to play a Test for India, but with the current workload management concerns around Bumrah and Siraj, this could be the perfect time. The 25-year-old left-arm seamer has built up solid red-ball credentials in the domestic circuit, having picked up 48 wickets in 13 first-class matches at an average of 23.91. His five-for (5/35) against Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy was a timely reminder of his readiness.

More importantly, Arshdeep’s natural angle and swing would add a crucial point of difference to India’s pace attack, which has been predominantly right-arm throughout the series. With overcast conditions likely at The Oval, he could exploit the early movement and trouble England’s aggressive top order.

2. Kuldeep Yadav 

Kuldeep Yadav has warmed the bench throughout the series, but if there was ever a time to unleash him, it’s now. His overall Test stats are outstanding: in just 10 matches, Kuldeep has taken 41 wickets at an average of 21.09, with best figures of 5/40. Despite not being a regular in recent years, his match-winning potential with the red ball is undeniable.

Given how the Old Trafford pitch began to turn on Day 5, The Oval is likely to offer even more assistance to spinners late in the game. Kuldeep could be the attacking spin option India needs to complement the control of Jadeja and Sundar. His inclusion would give India a proper three-pronged spin attack capable of running through England’s middle order.

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3. Dhruv Jurel 

With Rishabh Pant ruled out of the fifth Test due to a fractured toe, Dhruv Jurel will walk into the XI as the wicketkeeper-batter. And there’s no better candidate. Jurel already impressed in the home series against England earlier in the year, scoring 153 runs in 2 Tests at a superb average of 76.50, with a highest score of 90. His glove work was assured, and he showed remarkable composure under pressure.

Even during the India A vs England Lions series, Jurel struck scores of 94, 53*, and 52, a streak that underlined his readiness for the longest format. He’s calm, technically compact, and has the temperament to bat with both the top and lower order, something India will desperately need in Pant’s absence.

4. Prasidh Krishna 

Prasidh Krishna is another player who has been in the Test setup for a while but is yet to make his debut. While Anshul Kamboj looked underwhelming on debut, Prasidh could bring a different threat with his high-arm action and steep bounce. His first-class numbers are solid: 49 wickets from 12 matches at an average of 19.18.

With India looking to rest both Bumrah and Siraj, there’s a strong chance the Oval Test could mark Prasidh’s long-awaited debut. The pitch at The Oval tends to offer bounce and carry, something that could suit his style perfectly. With Arshdeep moving it, Prasidh hitting the deck, and Akash Deep offering control, India could have a balanced pace trio for the showdown.

5. Abhimanyu Easwaran 

The only uncapped player on this list with extensive India A experience, Abhimanyu Easwaran, continues to remain on the selectors’ radar. The 29-year-old opener boasts a first-class average of 46.83 across 89 matches, with 20 hundreds and a highest score of 233. Despite being part of several Test squads, he’s yet to receive his debut cap.

India’s top order looked fragile at times in the series, especially after early losses in the fourth Test. If the team chooses to rest Rohit Sharma or drop an out-of-form Patidar, Easwaran could finally get his long-overdue opportunity. He’s a compact, no-fuss batter built for the rigours of Test cricket, and this might just be his moment.

India showed great character in salvaging a draw at Old Trafford, but the fifth Test is more than just about pride. It’s about rebalancing workloads, preparing the bench for future overseas tours, and giving richly deserving players their due. Whether it’s Kuldeep’s guile, Arshdeep’s swing, Prasidh’s bounce, Jurel’s resilience, or Easwaran’s consistency, each of these names has something valuable to offer. At The Oval, where results often go down to the wire, India’s fresh faces could be the ones to script the final act of this hard-fought series.

After the Manchester Test, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir declared that all bowlers are fit and fine to play. But the uncertainty remains over Jasprit Bumrah. Will the pacer play the England vs. India 5th Test at The Oval? If not, who can replace him from the present setup?

Before the Manchester Test, Team India got troubled because of multiple injury blows. Full-time pacers like Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy were ruled out from the match. With immediate effect, the management called up Anshul Kamboj, and he got his debut Test cap.

Before the beginning of the series, Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that Jasprit would play 3 out of 5 matches against England. Bumrah has already played in 3. At Old Trafford, the right-handed bowler's performance was surprisingly not up to the mark. The situation got more alarming when he touched his knee and after that, went out from the ground. Though, after taking some rest at the dugout, he stepped into the field again.

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Akash Deep or Prasidh Krishna, who has the advantage?

If Gambhir's claim is to be believed, then Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna, who played in the series already, are ready to go for the 5th and final encounter. Now, if Bumrah is unable to play and the team needs to choose between Akash and Krishna, who will make his strides back to the playing XI?

Krishna participated in two matches of the series; his previous match was pretty underwhelming and attracted lots of criticism. In two innings at Birmingham, he got only one wicket. At Leeds, he captured a total of 5 scalps. Akash Deep also played in 2 matches, where he pocketed a total of 11 wickets, including a 10-wicket haul. At Lord's he had only one scalp under his belt. 

On Day 3 of the series with England, Test 2 at Edgbaston, it was a mixed day for India's bowlers. Mohammed Siraj was great with the ball and claimed his sixth wicket of the innings, while Prasidh Krishna failed to take a wicket and was smashed for 23 runs in a single over by Jamie Smith, including four boundaries and a six. With an economy rate of 5.50, Krishna recorded one of the highest in Test history for bowlers with at least 500 balls.

His poor performance invited criticism from fans and experts. Former England captain Michael Atherton, speaking on commentary, said, "I wouldn't pick this gentleman, Prasidh Krishna. I would have picked Kuldeep Yadav." Ahead of the match, many had called for Kuldeep’s inclusion, and with Krishna struggling, that decision now looks questionable. A social media post also claimed that Krishna now holds the worst economy rate in Test history, though this has not been officially confirmed.

On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj brought India back into the match with his brilliant bowling. After England’s Harry Brook (158) and Jamie Smith (184*) added 303 runs for the sixth wicket, India needed a breakthrough. Akash Deep bowled Brook, and Siraj cleaned up the lower order with three quick wickets.

Siraj delivers when it matters most

Siraj, speaking to JioHotstar, said, “This feeling is unbelievable. I'd been waiting for a moment like this for over a year. I always bowled well, but wickets didn't come. Today, the morning session felt good, but still no breakthrough—so these six wickets are really special.”

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Siraj removed Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Shoaib Bashir to complete his six-wicket haul. England were bowled out for 407 after being 84/5, and India ended the day in a strong position. While Siraj and Akash Deep shared all ten wickets, Prasidh Krishna’s place in the team now remains under serious doubt.

The momentum Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj generated in the beginning of England's first innings, Prasidh Krishna and other bowlers in the lineup couldn't maintain before lunch.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja remained wicketless by lunch, but it was Krishna who again got trolled and criticized by the fans for his expensive bowling figures. At one point in the match, the India pacer was on an economy rate of 10.00, which was far from international standards.

After his 5th over, the tall pacer conceded 50 without taking any wickets or maiden overs. Before lunch, when England were 5 down with 249 on the scoreboard in 47 overs, Krishna's economy rate was 7.0, still not a suitable figure in terms of Test cricket. It was the same surface where the other two pacers of Team India, Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, generated extra bounce and befooled the batters with swing.

Read More: Shubman Gill’s Record-Breaking 269 Lights Up 2nd Test vs England

Can Prasidh Krishna prove his haters wrong?

Krishna, over 6 ft tall, is yet to produce a magical moment to prove his haters wrong. In the first match of the tour, which was in Headingley, the 29-year-old claimed a total of 5 wickets—one figure with 3 wickets and another with 2 in the first and second innings, respectively. 

Though Shubman Gill and his team weren't able to win the match for not only bowling but also multiple reasons, including batting collapses in both innings. With the help of Gill's historic 269-run innings, India got 587 on the scoreboard in the first innings of the second Test. If they work according to their plans, then the touring side can turn the stone. 

PRASIDH KRISHNA BOWLED MOST EXPENSIVE SPELL BY AN INDIAN BOWLER IN TESTS SINCE 2006 (5-0-50-0). 🤯 pic.twitter.com/jes9p39zRN

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) July 4, 2025

Run machine Prasidh Krishna pic.twitter.com/fpHf1wYOz0

— 😼 (@MasterrGogo) July 4, 2025

Prasidh Krishna in test cricket pic.twitter.com/TLKvOpFTwH

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) July 4, 2025

Jamie Smith Prasidh Krishna pic.twitter.com/hmrT4VxnVG

— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) July 4, 2025