The India vs England Test series had twists no one could predict, and Mohammed Siraj’s fiery spell added one more. England head coach Brendon McCullum almost changed his Player of the Series vote from Shubman Gill to Mohammed Siraj following India’s six-run win at The Oval.
This behind-the-scenes drama was revealed by former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik on Cricbuzz, describing how McCullum reversed his decision within minutes on Day 5.
“If the match had gotten over yesterday (Day 4), Shubman Gill was the man of the series,” Karthik said.
“Brendon McCullum had said Shubman Gill. And obviously, Atherton [Mike Atherton] was the one doing the presentation. So, he had all the questions ready. Everything was for Shubman Gill.”
Dramatic Shift in McCullum’s Choice After Siraj’s Spell
As Siraj ripped apart England’s lower order with figures of 5/69, McCullum changed his preference instantly.
“Baz McCullum turned it around in a matter of half an hour, 40 minutes — to Mohammed Siraj,” Karthik added.
“He even spoke about him in the post-match with Sky Sports — about how he enjoyed watching Siraj bowl and all the eloquent things he had to say about him.”
In bilateral series played in England, both opposing coaches pick the Players of the Series. Since a Day 4 finish looked likely, the broadcasters locked in early votes. McCullum chose Gill, who ended the series with 754 runs. Gambhir, however, picked Harry Brook for his aggressive fourth-innings effort.
McCullum, speaking to Sky Sports, praised Siraj’s intensity and drive.
“He’s got that spirit you want to see in a fast bowler,” McCullum said.
“Every time he had the ball in hand, there was energy. You could see how much it meant to him. It was one of those spells that can change a series, and today, it really did.”
Karthik Applauds Siraj for Stepping Up Without Bumrah
Siraj stepped up in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and ended as the series’ top wicket-taker with 23 scalps.
Dinesh Karthik praised his determination across all five Tests, especially in bowler-unfriendly conditions.
“This is a five-Test match series where bat has dominated the ball,” Karthik said.
“It’s been hard work. And this boy has come in running every day of the series, when given the ball, with his heart out… When Bumrah didn’t play, Siraj stepped up and showed what it takes to win.”
“At the start of the series, I actually said, in Australia, he bowled better with the old ball than with the new ball. But Mohamed Siraj has come out here to England. And when he has been the head of the pack, which means everybody was speaking about how Jasprit Bumrah is important. When Jasprit Bumrah plays, India should win. Otherwise, they are going to find it hard. And eventually, they ended up winning 2 test matches. Both of which he didn’t play. And it’s obviously no reflection on Bumrah. Because he is such a genius that you rely so much on a Jasprit Bumrah for them to do the goods. But the fact is that when he wasn’t around, Mohamed Siraj stepped up. Showed what it takes to win. You know, I think he can now rise beyond,” Karthik concluded.
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