Mohammed Siraj Reflects on Heartbreaking Lord’s Defeat Ahead of Must-Win Fourth Test
Manchester, July 21 (The Trending People): With the fourth Test of the five-match series against England set to begin on July 23 at Old Trafford, fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has admitted he is still heartbroken by India’s narrow 22-run loss in the previous match at Lord’s.
India had been in a strong position late on Day 5 with Siraj and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja at the crease. However, a moment of misfortune ended the partnership when Siraj defended a delivery from Shoaib Bashir, only to see the ball roll back onto the stumps and dislodge the bails.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Siraj said, “I had taken the final wicket in 2021 as well. I am a very emotional person; it could have been 2-1. Jaddu bhai fought very hard. But then I said to myself that the series is not over and I will work on my batting. We kept working hard on our batting since Australia. The 22-run loss was heartbreaking.”
The 31-year-old expressed disappointment at how the match ended and emphasised that the loss could have had a different outcome if not for the unexpected dismissal.
“To middle the ball and still get bowled, the way we were batting together, I was feeling confident and thought I will not get out today. But it was unlucky and it was heartbreaking because the result could have been entirely different,” he added.
The Lord’s Test, which saw England take a 2-1 lead in the series, also featured heated exchanges between players, notably between Zak Crawley and Shubman Gill. Siraj was visibly fired up during the match, particularly during his bowling spells, and was seen engaging in verbal duels with England batters.
Speaking about his aggressive approach, Siraj explained, “There are no plans regarding this. When you are bowling, you are in another zone; your focus is on taking wickets, so you don't know what you say. You want to divert the batter — like when I asked Root, 'Where is the Bazball?'”
When asked whether he would continue with the same aggressive mindset in the upcoming match, Siraj gave a straightforward response: “Yes.”
India will now look to bounce back in the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester as they aim to level the series. A win in Manchester is crucial for India to stay alive in the contest and keep hopes alive for a first Test series win in England since 2007.
The weather forecast for Manchester includes the possibility of rain, which could play a role in how the pitch behaves across five days of play. India’s team selection, especially in the bowling department, is expected to be closely watched as the side considers strategies for the must-win match.