August 3, 2025: The high-stakes fifth Test between India and England at The Oval took a dramatic turn on Sunday after a fielding blunder by Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj turned a potential wicket into six runs. The incident occurred on the first ball of the 35th over of England’s second innings, bowled by Prasidh Krishna.
England batsman Harry Brook, who was on 19 runs, attempted a big shot that went straight to Siraj near the boundary ropes. Siraj, a noted fielder, completed the catch cleanly but lost his balance and touched the boundary rope with the ball still in his hand. The umpire’s decision immediately added six runs to England’s total, giving a crucial lifeline to Brook.
The dropped catch left bowler Krishna visibly shell-shocked, a reaction that has since gone viral. A separate video shows teammate Akash Deep chopping his celebration short and looking “sad and depressed” after the missed opportunity.
With England chasing a formidable target of 374 to win the match and secure the series 3-1, every run and wicket holds immense significance. The unfortunate error by Siraj has intensified the pressure on the Indian team as they continue their fight to level the series.