IND Vs ENG, 3rd Test: Mohammed Siraj Pays Touching Tribute To Diogo Jota After Dismissing Jamie Smith; Video

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj created a heartfelt moment on Day 2 of the third Test against England at Lord’s by paying tribute to late Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota after dismissing Jamie Smith. Siraj celebrated the key wicket by holding up his fingers to form the number “20,” Jota’s jersey number at Liverpool.

The symbolic gesture came right after Siraj got Smith out with a well-executed delivery, and it instantly caught the attention of fans. By pointing to the sky and forming the number 20 with his hands, Siraj honored the footballer in a deeply personal and emotional way.

This cross-sport tribute was widely praised on social media, with fans appreciating the bowler’s gesture of respect and unity between cricket and football. Siraj, known for wearing his emotions on his sleeve, once again showed his human side in the middle of a high-pressure match.

The moment added a touch of emotion to an intense Test match and reminded fans how sports can be a bridge between different disciplines, united by mutual respect and tribute.

IND Vs ENG, 3rd Test: Mohammed Siraj Left In Disbelief As KL Rahul Drops Crucial Catch Of Jamie Smith; Video

Team India let a golden chance slip through their fingers early on Day 2 of the third Test against England at Lord’s, as KL Rahul dropped a regulation catch in the slips, leaving bowler Mohammed Siraj visibly frustrated. The incident occurred during the 87th over of England's first innings in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, at a crucial time when India were pressing for an early breakthrough.

Mohammed Siraj delivered a well-directed back-of-a-length ball outside off-stump to England’s young wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith. The delivery shaped away slightly after pitching, drawing a thick edge off Smith’s bat. The ball flew at a comfortable shoulder height towards second slip, where KL Rahul was positioned. Despite moving to his right and getting both hands to the ball, Rahul failed to hold on as the ball struck his fingertips and slipped out.

The drop gave Smith a lifeline and visibly shifted the momentum. Siraj, who had set up the dismissal perfectly, couldn’t hide his disappointment. The pacer held his head in disbelief and stared back at Rahul with an expression of shock and frustration. The missed opportunity added to India’s woes, as they looked to seize control of the match early on Day 2.

Such moments can often prove costly in high-stakes Test matches, and with Lord’s known for punishing fielding errors, the Indian team will hope this lapse doesn’t come back to haunt them.