Despite the umpire’s not out call, Mohammed Siraj was confident — shouting “Height nahi hai 100%!” Replays proved him right, showing all three reds and sending Ollie Pope back.
Highlights:
- Siraj dismissed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope with high-quality seam bowling.
- Pleaded emotionally with Shubman Gill for a review; Gill hesitated due to a previous failed DRS.
- Replays confirmed Siraj was right — all three reds on Hawk-Eye, leading to Pope’s dismissal.
Mohammed Siraj’s Fiery Spell
Mohammed Siraj produced a fiery spell on Day 4 of the third Test at Lord’s, shaking up the English top order with sheer pace and intensity. But beyond the wickets, it was his passionate plea for a DRS review — and the drama that followed — that truly defined the moment. The on-field captain, Shubman Gill, initially hesitant, was eventually convinced, and Siraj’s instincts proved spot-on
The DRS Drama Unfolds
The moment came during the 12th over of England’s innings. Siraj bowled a brilliant nip-backer that struck Ollie Pope flush on the pads. Despite the convincing appeal, umpire Paul Reiffel remained unmoved.
But Siraj was adamant — he was sure Pope was out. “Bat nahi laga hai,” he confidently told wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. When Gill expressed doubts about the height, Siraj shot back instantly, Height to hai hi nahi. 100 per cent.
At that point, India had already lost a review earlier, so Gill’s reluctance was understandable. But Siraj’s certainty was unwavering. After some hesitation and discussion, Gill finally went for the review.
And the replay? Three reds — impact in line, hitting the stumps, and no bat involved. Siraj was vindicated.
Match Situation and Impact
This wasn’t just any wicket. Siraj had already removed opener Ben Duckett, and now with Pope gone too, England’s top order was reeling under pressure. The spell helped India gain a strong hold on the match, and the energy in the Indian camp reflected it.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain, commentating live, summed it up perfectly:
“You have to be careful with Siraj, he gets emotional. But when he says ‘That’s okay, skip. And we are going to have a look,’ — you listen!”
How He Got Pope Out
Siraj’s delivery was masterful — shaping in, skidding off the pitch, and catching Pope on the crease. The ball zipped past the inside edge and struck the front pad, perfectly aligned with the stumps. Pope’s tentative footwork and indecision cost him dearly.
Mohammed Siraj’s passion, precision, and presence of mind turned a no-decision into a game-changing moment. His trust in his skill and judgment was so strong that he managed to override the captain’s hesitation — and he was absolutely right.
This wasn’t just a wicket. It was a moment of belief, clarity, and fiery confidence — the kind of cricket drama that Test matches live for.
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