“He Broke Us!” – McCullum Hails Siraj’s Fiery Spell That Sealed India’s Epic Comeback

The India vs England 2025 Test series ended in spectacular fashion at The Oval with Siraj’s lion-hearted spell carrying India to a thrilling victory and ensuring they leveled the series 2-2. Siraj’s emotional, fiery five-wicket haul on the final day broke the last remnants of England’s resistance—and earned respect from McCullum, the opposition’s coach.

Chasing 374 in the final innings, England were bowled out for 367 in a thrilling finish that included Siraj posting a sensational 3-9 spell in the last morning.

McCullum: “Disappointed, But Full of Admiration for Siraj”

McCullum was full of praise for Siraj’s efforts at the Oval. He refused to back down from the task when India was up against the wall.

“When [Mohammed] Siraj took that final wicket, as much as I was disappointed, I had admiration for him — for the fight he’s got as a cricketer and the way he was able to do what he did,” McCullum stated on a interview to Sky Sports.

Meanwhile, England’s coach praised the series as the best five-Test match he’d ever been part in, emphasising the tremendous rivalry between the two teams. He observed that the tension never dipped, with thrilling cricket and even a few furious on-field skirmishes adding to the drama.

“It just oscillated so much throughout the six weeks, and I felt it had everything. There was hostility at times, camaraderie at times, great cricket at times, and some average cricket as well, because of the pressure both teams were put under. We knew it was going to be hard coming into the series. We knew they were going to test us physically and mentally. I think it tested both teams more than we expected. It was a cracking series to be a part of,” England head coach McCullam added.

McCullum on the 2-2 Scoreline: “A Fair Result”

Reflecting on the series outcome, McCullum said:

“2-2 was a fair reflection. Playing all five days of all five Tests becomes a mental exertion. It’s the hardest thing in cricket.”

The former New Zealand skipper admitted that both teams were stretched physically and mentally, with England even calling in fresh legs for the final Test.

Why This Series Will Live in Memory for Years

This Test series had everything; Bazball vs Spin, fiery on-field clashes, unexpected collapses and astonishing comebacks—the India-England series from 2025 had it all. McCullum stated it wasn’t just a test of skill, but a test of character and stamina.

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“It tests you not just as a sportsperson but as a character because it questions how much you want it,” he concluded.

Mohammed Siraj’s great performance at The Oval capped off a series that had everything – excitement, disappointments, and moments we won’t forget. It was a comeback for India, and a lost chance for England. But for us fans? It was just awesome cricket.