Cricket met football in a lively crossover moment at Old Trafford on Day 3 of the fourth Test between England and India, as Mohammed Siraj celebrated a key dismissal with a nod to one of Manchester's most iconic sporting figures: Cristiano Ronaldo. After removing Chris Woakes, Siraj broke into the famous “Siu” celebration, leaving fans both amused and delighted.
The moment came during a crucial passage of play when India were clawing back control of the game. Siraj delivered a sharp delivery that caught Woakes off guard, resulting in a dismissal that triggered not just a breakthrough for India, but also an electrifying celebration. Turning towards the crowd, Siraj leapt in the air with arms outstretched, mimicking Ronaldo’s signature move.
The celebration added a light-hearted spark to an intense day of Test cricket, drawing laughs and cheers from both fans at the ground and viewers online. Siraj, known for his passion and animated on-field energy, clearly enjoyed the moment, and the gesture was quickly picked up on social media, with fans praising his flair and sense of occasion.
IND Vs ENG, 4th Test: Bizarre Scenes As Joe Root Accidentally Dislodges Mohammed Siraj's Fitness Band During Mid-Pitch Collision; Video
Day 3 of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford witnessed a strange and unexpected moment involving Joe Root and Mohammed Siraj. During the 52nd over of England’s first innings, Root charged down the pitch to play a delivery that stayed low and struck him on the pads. The ball deflected towards fine leg, resulting in four leg byes.
India reviewed the on-field decision hoping for an LBW dismissal, but replays showed the ball had pitched outside leg stump and would have missed the stumps entirely. The not out decision stood, and India lost a crucial review, leaving them with just one remaining.
As the sequence unfolded, Joe Root, in his effort to take a run, collided slightly with Mohammed Siraj, unintentionally knocking off the pacer’s fitness band. While the incident had no bearing on the play itself, it caught the attention of both players and fans for its unusual nature.
Though light-hearted, the moment added to the drama of a closely contested Test match, with tensions already high after Siraj’s earlier exchanges with English batters.
