Former Pakistan pace great Wasim Akram has hailed India pacer Mohammed Siraj’s stamina and mental strength after the Indian seamer’s sensational five-wicket haul in the second innings powered India to a six-run win over England in the series-deciding fifth Test at the Oval on Monday. Siraj, who finished the series with 23 wickets at an average of 24.30, claimed nine wickets in the match to help India defend a 374-run target and level the five-match series 2-2.

“To bowl nearly 186 overs across five Tests and still be that fiery on the final day shows remarkable stamina and mental strength,” Akram was quoted as saying by telecomasia.net. “He is not just a support bowler anymore, he’s leading the attack and doing it with heart. Even when a catch went down — that of [centurion Harry] Brook [on 19] — he didn’t lose focus. That’s the mark of a fighter,” he said. 

Akram, who was the guest of honour on Day Three of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, 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,” said the former left-arm pacer, who claimed 414 wickets in 104 Tests.