Mohammed Siraj drops Brook: How many runs did it cost India?

Mohammed Siraj’s dropped catch of Harry Brook proved costly for India during the final Test at The Oval.

In a crucial moment on Day 4 of the fifth and Final Test, India pacer Prasidh Krishna, was left stunned after Mohammed Siraj dropped a crucial catch of Harry Brook

Harry Brook top-edged a pull shot off Prasidh Krishna in the 35th over of England’s chase, sending the ball high into the air. Siraj was positioned at long leg and seemed to make a clean catch, which caused Prasidh to celebrate right away.

However, Prasidh had missed one important detail that is Siraj had taken a step back and touched the boundary cushions with his foot as he completed the catch, which meant the ball had gone for a six rather than a wicket.

Harry Brook’s wicket celebration turned into disappointment

The celebration quickly turned into disappointment as soon as Prasidh realized what had actually happened. While Prasidh and Siraj exchanged frustrated glances, Brook, who was well aware of the situation, walked calmly back to the crease.

The missed opportunity cost India a crucial breakthrough and gifted Brook an additional six runs. He was on 19 when Siraj missed dropped his catch. He went on to play a game-changing innings, smashing 111 off just 98 deliveries. His aggressive knock, featuring 14 fours and two sixes, significantly shifted the momentum in England’s favour.

Siraj cost crucial runs as a result of the dropped catch

Ironically, it was Siraj who eventually caught Brook, off Akash Deep’s delivery. The dismissal came as Brook stepped out to hit a slightly short delivery through the off-side but ended up slicing it high into the air. While his bat flew toward the leg side, the ball safely landed in Siraj’s hands at mid-off. Brook walked off to a standing ovation, as he pushed India onto the back foot.

Siraj ultimately cost his team 92 crucial runs as a result of the dropped catch. Brook’s wicket later came during a crucial phase of the match—one that could play a big role in deciding the result of the series.