Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram makes massive Mohammed Siraj admission: ‘He’s not just …’ | Cricket News – Times of India

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: Mohammed Siraj of India reacts throughout day 4 of the Fifth Test Match between England and India at The Kia Oval on August 03, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Former Pakistan quick bowler Wasim Akram has acknowledged that Mohammed Siraj has advanced past being just a help bowler to Jasprit Bumrah and is now succesful of main India’s tempo assault in Test cricket. Siraj demonstrated this by taking 9 wickets within the latest Oval Test in opposition to England, serving to India safe a six-run victory and stage the 5-match collection, notably together with his essential efficiency on the ultimate day the place he claimed three of the remaining 4 wickets when England wanted just 35 runs.

Siraj performed all 5 Tests within the collection in opposition to England, bowling over 185 overs and sustaining his depth all through the matches.“Siraj was full of hunger and passion – it was an incredible effort. To bowl nearly 186 overs across five Tests and still be that fiery on the final day shows remarkable stamina and mental strength. He’s not just a support bowler anymore,” Akram stated in an interview with Telecom Asia Sport.The Indian pacer confirmed resilience after a setback when he had miscalculated Harry Brook’s catch, stepping onto the boundary rope off Prasidh Krishna’s bowling, which allowed Brook to attain 111 runs.“He’s leading the attack and doing it with heart. Even when a catch went down– that of Brook – he didn’t lose focus. That’s the mark of a fighter. Test cricket is alive and kicking,” Akram added.Akram revealed his engagement with the ultimate day’s play on the Oval, highlighting the compelling nature of the match.“I rarely watch cricket when I’m not working, but I was glued to the last day,” stated Akram.“I gave India a 60 per cent chance on Day 5. They just needed that first breakthrough. With Woakes injured and India sensing blood, it was game on. Siraj made that possible,” stated Akram.The former Pakistan captain additionally recommended India’s strategic resolution to relaxation Bumrah for the collection decider.“It takes a brave team to rest their best bowler. But India had the bench strength, and the plan worked perfectly,” he stated.

“With the Asia Cup in 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026 coming up, this kind of foresight is essential. Bumrah is vital across formats, and managing him well is key,” he added.The match on the Oval showcased Siraj’s evolution as a frontline bowler for India, together with his efficiency serving to the workforce obtain a memorable victory regardless of the absence of Bumrah. His capacity to keep up depth all through the collection and ship essential breakthroughs has earned him recognition from cricket consultants like Wasim Akram.This efficiency has established Siraj’s credentials as a number one tempo bowler for India in Test cricket, succesful of shouldering tasks in essential matches and delivering below stress conditions. His progress from being a help bowler to main the assault marks a major improvement in India’s tempo bowling assets.