In one of the most dramatic finishes of the Test summer, England defeated India by 22 runs in the third Test at Lord’s to take a 2-1 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. While the match ended with scenes of jubilation from the English camp, it also produced a heartfelt moment as Joe Root and Zak Crawley were seen consoling a visibly emotional Mohammed Siraj after the final wicket fell.
The defining moment came when Shoaib Bashir, battling a hand injury, delivered a stunning ball to dismiss Siraj and wrap up the Test. Bashir tossed it well above the batter’s eyeline, landing it in the rough outside off. The ball gripped and turned sharply off the surface with extra bounce, catching Siraj off guard. As he tried to defend, the ball dropped near his bat, spun back behind him, and gently kissed the leg stump, just enough to dislodge the bail and end India’s chase.
The dismissal sparked wild celebrations from the English players, who mobbed Bashir as he wheeled around the outfield in joy, ignoring any pain from his left hand. It was a magic moment for the young spinner and a vital one for the home side, giving them control of the five-match series.
On the other end of the emotional spectrum, Mohammed Siraj stood stunned. He had fought valiantly, both with the ball earlier and in a last-ditch attempt to stay at the crease. As he crouched down in disappointment, Joe Root and Zak Crawley walked over immediately, offering him kind words and a hand of comfort. The moment was captured on video and widely shared online, earning praise for the English duo’s sportsmanship.
