Team India’s pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj has been nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award for August after his sensational performance in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in England.
In a statement on its website, the ICC said: “Mohammed Siraj played just one match in August, but his brilliance in that outing was enough to earn him a nomination. The India right-armer was instrumental in the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series against England at The Oval, where he claimed nine wickets at an average of 21.11.”
Siraj was the standout bowler of the entire series, bowling a marathon 185.3 overs – the most by any bowler. He finished with 23 wickets, the highest tally across both teams.
The 31-year-old delivered his biggest impact in the decisive final Test. England needed just 35 runs to win on the last day with four wickets in hand, but Siraj turned the game on its head. He struck thrice in a fiery spell to complete a five-wicket haul in the second innings and seal a nine-wicket match haul. His effort bowled India to victory and ensured the series ended in a 2-2 draw.
“With Jasprit Bumrah absent, Siraj led the attack with great determination, bowling more than 46 overs across two innings, after having featured in the previous four Tests in the series as well,” the ICC added. “He took four wickets in the first innings and followed it up with a stellar five-wicket haul in the second. His decisive spell in the final innings bowled India to victory and proved crucial in securing a 2-2 series draw. For his stellar effort, Siraj was named Player of the Match in the south London contest.”
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