On Day 2 of the fifth Test against England at The Oval, Indian bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna led a strong fightback. After India was bowled out for 224, they brought England down to 247.
With the match closely contested at the end of the day, Siraj and Prasidh spoke about what happened in the dressing room and on the field. Siraj gave a special mention to Jasprit Bumrah.
Siraj shared a heartfelt talk with Bumrah, revealing how much he missed him and what he said to India’s main fast bowler before the game.
I told Jassi bhai, ‘Why are you leaving? If I take five wickets, who will I hug?’ He replied, ‘I’m still here, you just focus on getting five wickets,’ Siraj said.
This showed the good relationship within the Indian fast bowling team. Siraj took four wickets with an economy rate of 5.27 and helped start England’s failure after their good start.
Siraj also said he loves bowling in England because of the conditions.
Everyone enjoys playing in England because there’s more swing here, and it helps fast bowlers a lot, Siraj said.
Siraj said it was great to bounce back after a hard time. After such a poor session, we made such a strong comeback. As fast bowlers, doing that feels really good, he added.
Prasidh Krishna, who also took four wickets, pointed out how important it was for the team to be united during the break after England’s early success.
The three of us talked during the break. We said that whatever happened is in the past, and we know what we need to do. We need to support each other and make sure everyone is following the plan, Krishna said.
The talk between Siraj, Krishna, and Akash Deep seemed to make a difference. The three came back with energy and focus to take apart England’s middle and lower order.
On a day with 15 wickets falling, India got back into the game, cutting England’s lead to just 23 runs before finishing Day 2 at 75/2, with Jaiswal not out at 51. With a 52-run lead and the game’s momentum, the Indian team wants to push forward in this important final Test.