Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has heaped glowing praise on Mohammed Siraj and India's young Test side, following their nail-biting six-run win at The Oval to level the series 2-2 against England.
The former left-arm great, regarded as one of the finest pacers in the history of the game, described Siraj’s performance as “the best I have seen in the recent past” in an exclusive interview with Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).
I rarely watch cricket when I’m not working, but I was glued to the last day. Siraj was full of hunger and passion – it was an incredible effort.
Siraj’s Spell: A Turning Point
Siraj, who finished the five-match series with 23 wickets at an average of 24.30, delivered a scintillating spell on the final day that helped India defend a modest fourth-innings total.
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. 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, who was the guest of honour at the Old Trafford Test and rang the bell to signal its start, lauded the overall competitiveness of the series.
“The tactics, the on-field duels, the off-field narratives – this series had it all. Test cricket is alive and kicking. Anyone who watched this series knows that this format still delivers the ultimate drama.”
The final day at The Oval saw England fall agonisingly short, with Siraj and Prasidh Krishna ripping through the lower order. Akram admitted he backed India at the start of the day.
I gave India a 60% chance on Day 5. They just needed that first breakthrough. With Woakes injured and India sensing blood, it was game on. Siraj made it possible.
Bumrah's Managed Workload Pays Off
Akram also praised India’s rotation strategy with Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the final two Tests of the series to manage his workload. “It takes a brave team to rest their best bowler. But India had the bench strength, and the plan worked perfectly,” he said.
“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.”
Shubman Gill’s Captaincy a Positive Sign
Akram was particularly impressed by Shubman Gill’s leadership, after the 25-year-old led India in the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma.
Gill is confident and composed. He scored crucial runs and handled the added pressure of captaincy very well. It’s early days, but you can see that he’s learning quickly. A good captain leads by example, and Gill did just that.
Gill ended the series as India’s top run-getter, scoring 432 runs at an average of 48, including two centuries.
India’s System Delivers Again
India’s ability to win without some of its biggest names — Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and R. Ashwin — was not lost on Akram. “That’s the beauty of the Indian system,” he noted. “Their first-class structure and the IPL give players great exposure. They’re prepared when called upon.”
“It speaks volumes that India could compete – and win – without three of their all-time greats. Their bench strength is unmatched right now.”
Final Word: A Series for the Ages
“What a series,” Wasim said with a smile. “It had everything – emotion, skill, unpredictability. A very, very amazing series.”
With the India vs England rivalry continuing to deliver thrilling contests, and young stars like Siraj and Gill stepping up under pressure, cricket fans have plenty to look forward to.
