Could've played one more game in England, can do anything for Test cricket: Siraj

India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has said that he could’ve even played one more Test in England, if needed. Siraj earned plaudits for his lion-hearted effort in the recently concluded Anderson Tendulkar trophy, where he bowled the most number of overs (185.3) across both teams.

He also finished as the highest wicket-taker of the five-match rubber with 23 scalps from nine innings at an average of 32.43 with two five-wicket hauls to his name. Recently, Siraj shared the secret behind his tireless spells, saying that fatigue takes a back seat when one’s playing for his country.

"To be honest, I don't know. But when you play for your country, you don't think how it might affect your body so much as you think about doing it for your country. People like us have had one dream since childhood, and that is to be able to play for the country. And when that opportunity comes, we grab that opportunity with both hands. I am a believer in utilising whatever opportunities (we get) to play as many matches as possible for India, and try to win them," Siraj told Revsportz.

Furthermore, Siraj also said that he could’ve even played one more match, stressing his love for Test cricket.

"Hundred percent I could've played even if there was another Test match. No, it is my priority. I can do anything for Test cricket. I like the way Test cricket throws the toughest challenges and struggles at us, just like life does. Test cricket gives mental fatigue, emotional fatigue, body tiredness, etc, but that is the challenge that I love most about it. You can have one bad spell and you better yourself in the next. In Test cricket, we get another innings to make a comeback, just like life where we get chances to better ourselves every day,” he added.

On the final morning of the fifth Test at the Oval, England looked firm favourites to win the match and the series 3-1. However, Siraj had other plans and rose to the occasion in the absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. The 31-year-old picked up three out of the remaining four wickets in no time, helping India register a memorable six-run victory to draw the five-match series 2-2.

Siraj registered his fifth five-wicket haul in Tests, registering figures of 5/104 and helped India successfully defend the target of 374 runs to seal the narrowest victory in Test history by six runs. Siraj was also adjudged Player of the Match for his career-best figures of 9/190. Following his match-winning performance, he’s been rested for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and will likely return for the ODI series against Australia.