When the odds were stacked against India on the final day of the fifth and decisive Test at The Oval, it was fast bowler Mohammed Siraj who stepped up — with inspiration drawn not from a cricketing icon, but football legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
Siraj, India’s hero in the thrilling six-run win over England, revealed that a Ronaldo-themed wallpaper featuring the word “Believe” fuelled his self-confidence ahead of the dramatic finale.
“This morning when I woke up, I searched for this emoji — ‘Believe’ with Cristiano Ronaldo. I knew I could do something special,” Siraj said at the post-match press conference. “Normally, I wake up at 8, but today I got up at 6am. From that moment, I believed I could do it. I made it my wallpaper. Belief is very important.”
The fast bowler went on to claim three of the four remaining England wickets on Day 5, helping dismiss the hosts for 367 and sealing a dramatic comeback victory for India. With just 35 runs to defend and four wickets to take, Siraj delivered under pressure — even celebrating the final wicket with Ronaldo’s trademark ‘Siuu’ celebration.
The victory levelled the five-match Test series 2-2 and capped an extraordinary turnaround for the visitors, who had drawn the fourth Test in Manchester thanks to centuries from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.
Siraj had endured a frustrating moment on Day 4 when he appeared to dismiss Harry Brook for 19, only to step on the boundary rope and concede six runs. Brook capitalised and went on to score his 10th Test century, but it was Siraj who had the final say.
Reflecting on the win and his journey, Siraj said, “I’ve worked hard on my game. I never think ill of anyone. Being selected out of 1.4 billion people is a huge thing. You’re representing your entire country. Today, there are smiles on the faces of 1.4 billion people.”
“That’s what matters to me — to be honest about my game and believe in my ability. That’s important as a professional cricketer.”
Siraj’s story, fuelled by belief and inspired by a football icon, once again underlines the universal power of sport to motivate and transcend boundaries.