IND vs ENG Test: Former England skipper says Mohammed Siraj brings Kohli-Rohit-like intensity to Team India - 'He lifts the team'

India's Mohammed Siraj walks off field after the third day's play of the fifth cricket test match between England and India at The Kia Oval in London, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

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Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes Mohammed Siraj brings a unique energy to the Indian team, comparable to what Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma offer on the field."With Chris Woakes going down injured for England, Siraj is the only fast bowler who has lasted the course of the series and put in spell after spell," Hussain wrote in his column for The Daily Mail."He is the sort of bloke a captain absolutely loves. He lifts the team. I always talk about Darren Gough being that sort of person when I was England captain, and Siraj is that man for India."Hussain also lauded the fighting spirit India have shown throughout the series."I have been hugely impressed with the character and fight they have shown throughout this series," he said."Some people thought they might roll over after the way they lost at Headingley, but they have since shown what a tough side they are to beat."They have won as many sessions as England, if not more. They have just been found wanting in some of the crucial moments."It is especially impressive when you consider they lost legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli right before the series."Mohammed Siraj has bowled an impressive 155-plus overs across nine England innings, and not once did the thought of physical breakdown cross his mind during this marathon series.At a time when the term 'workload management' is in vogue, Siraj lasting five Tests and already picking up 18 wickets from four games is a testimony to his world-class fitness and stamina."I don't think about breaking down. I only think about the match. I love playing for the country and I want to give everything to the country. I keep my plans simple and try to give my everything, and results do follow," Siraj told Sky Sports during an interview with former India player Dinesh Karthik Siraj, who has shouldered a lot of extra responsibility in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah—who could only play three Tests due to workload management—said he enjoys taking on the challenge."To be honest, I love responsibility, but I also miss Jassi bhai because he is a senior bowler and leads by example in terms of what lines and lengths to bowl to various batsmen. I like that."When Jassi bhai isn't around, you get that confidence that you need to shoulder extra responsibility, and I enjoy that. I don't take extra pressure and try to keep things simple."

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