• Source:JND
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India vs England 5th Test: India's bowling coach Morne Morkel was lavished in praise for "natural leader" Mohammed Siraj, who smoothly stepped up to spearhead India's pace line-up in Jasprit Bumrah's absence, underlining that the young speedster has been garnering well-deserved "recognition" for his impressive performances.

In Bumrah's absence, once again, the hopeful eyes of Indian fans were glued on Siraj to produce his well-known 'Miyaan Magic' but the rain gods had the final say on Day 4 as the pulsating match was pushed into the final exhilarating day.

As the match heads into a thrilling finale, India stands tantalizingly close to levelling the series, requiring just four wickets to achieve the stunning comeback, while England stick to a thin thread of hope, 35 runs adrift of a 3-1 lead.

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With The Oval abuzz with anticipation for Siraj's blazing spell, the speedster has been the 'workhorse' of the Indian pace attack, featuring in every match of the series, leading the visitors' wicket tally with 20 dismissals. 

"Siraj has been outstanding. He's a natural leader - doesn't say much, but his actions drive the group. I'm really pleased he's getting the recognition. Whether it's an extra spell or lifting the crowd when things go flat, he gives the team that spark," Morkel said following the fourth day's play in the final Test at The Oval.

Morkel also disclosed that Siraj had demanded to play the fifth and final crucial Test of the series despite the heavy workload.

"He just said, 'I want to play this match, I want to win it for the team.' That's the kind of attitude that wins Tests," the bowling coach added.

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With Siraj invariably shouldering the burden of creating crucial breakthroughs, he has been an unstoppable force on the field, toiling tirelessly India's prime wicket-taker. His staggering 180 overs bowled across nine innings in the series - a rare workload in an era- tells a story of his being an indispensable cog in India's team machinery.

"I'm thrilled he's getting the credit. He plays for the badge, and that sort of commitment drives the rest of the team forward," Morkel said.