IND vs ENG: India claimed the Oval ground with their magical bowling performance in a truly magnificent and nail-biting fifth day. Few had imagined India could win this match, but Mohammed Siraj’s bowling on that final day was truly a dream for any cricket enthusiast.
The five-match series [IND vs ENG] concluded with a 2-2 tie, and the Indian team returns home after a period of struggle mixed with strong performances. However, this series has undoubtedly imparted valuable lessons to the young squad. The team management must reflect on the mistakes made to ensure they are not repeated in upcoming cricket encounters.
Today, we delve into five such heartbreaking moments that left Indian fans stunned.
5. Costly Dropped Catches at Leeds
The first match of IND vs ENG series at Headingley saw India’s fielding falter significantly. Six catches were dropped in the first innings, with Yashasvi Jaiswal alone grassing three in the initial 90 overs.
These missed opportunities proved expensive, as Harry Brook, aided by the dropped chances, went on to score a crucial 99, shifting the momentum in England’s favour.
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4. Rishabh Pant’s Unfortunate Run-Out at Lord’s
In the first innings of the Lord’s Test, Rishabh Pant’s run-out was a pivotal moment. India was in a commanding position, building a crucial 141-run fourth-wicket partnership between Pant and KL Rahul.
Pant, batting well on 74, was run out by a direct hit from Ben Stokes while attempting to help Rahul reach his century just before lunch. This dismissal shifted the momentum towards England, ultimately contributing to India’s 22-run loss in IND vs ENG contest.
3. Rishabh Pant’s Injury Blow
Adding to India’s woes in the Lord’s Test, Rishabh Pant sustained an injury in the first innings when he was struck by a delivery from Chris Woakes, resulting in a fractured leg. Despite the injury, Pant displayed immense courage, returning to the field to score a brave half-century. However, the injury ultimately ruled him out of the decisive IND vs ENG fifth Test match.
2. Mohammed Siraj’s Boundary Blunder at the Oval
In an extremely decisive moment during the IND vs ENG fifth and final Test at the Oval, Mohammed Siraj made a massive blunder. While fielding at long-leg on the first ball of the 35th over of the England innings, Siraj took the catch of Harry Brook on the bowling of Prasidh Krishna.
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But while completing the catch, his right foot touched the boundary cushion, making it a six instead. At that point, Brook was batting at 19. He cashed in on this new life and went on to score a 98-ball 111, turning the match in England’s favour.
1. Siraj’s Emotional Dismissal at Lord’s
The second innings at Lord’s delivered a truly emotional blow. Chasing 193, India was reeling at 82 for 7, then 112 for 8. Ravindra Jadeja, with an unbeaten 61 off 181 balls, alongside the tailenders, nearly pulled off a miracle. Mohammed Siraj, coming in at No. 11, showed admirable fight, seeing off a bouncer barrage and staying at the crease for 30 deliveries, offering hope.
However, in the 75th over, Bashir looped a flighted off-break, and despite Siraj doing everything right, he was bowled. India fell short by just 22 runs, a moment that will forever be etched in the memories of Indian cricket fans.