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19 Jul, 2025
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'Siraj Fired Up, Not Out Of Line': Nasser Hussain Calls Out Fine, Likens ENG vs IND Series To 2005 Ashes
@Source: timesnownews.com
Former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton likened the drama and intensity of the ongoing England-India Test series to that of the iconic 2005 Ashes. With England leading the series 2-1 after a dramatic 22-run win at Lord's, the series is now poised for another thrilling Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, starting July 23. Ahead of the fourth Test - a must-win for India - Hussain, speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, said: "You have got it as the next 2005 Ashes." His comments came in the wake of the thrilling finish at Lord's, where India fell short of chasing 193 runs, despite Ravindra Jadeja's valiant innings and Mohammed Siraj showing great resistance. Siraj, the last man, lost his wicket in dramatic fashion as Shoaib Bashir's delivery rolled back onto the stumps and removed the bail after being defended. The moment left Siraj visibly shaken and heartbroken. The incident evoked memories of the 2005 Edgbaston Test between England and Australia. That match, too, ended in heartbreak for the visitors and a touching display of sportsmanship between two battle-worn teams. Brett Lee sat heartbroken, only for England’s Andrew Flintoff to console him - a moment etched in cricketing folklore. "Well, actually, there was a similarity that struck me when Siraj went down on his haunches at the end," said Atherton, recalling how English players, including Zak Crawley and Joe Root, came over to console the Indian pacer. "There were some similarities," he added, referring to the Flintoff-Lee moment nearly two decades ago. Much like that 2005 Ashes, tension and edge have crept into this England-India series. One such flashpoint came on Day 3 at Lord’s, when Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett appeared to waste time near the stumps. India responded aggressively, leading to an on-field flare-up. The next day, Siraj was seen shouting in Duckett’s face after dismissing him. "I think Siraj is a better cricketer when he is fired up," said Hussain, adding that the pacer should not have been penalised. "You would love to have Siraj in your side. I didn’t think he should have been fined. He went close to the line - but didn’t cross it. It’s a game of emotion. You don’t need 22 robots." Atherton, meanwhile, remarked that the simmering tension only adds to the richness of a long series. "That’s the beauty of a five-Test match series - it allows subplots, personal rivalries, and animosities to develop. They wouldn’t be forgetting what was said on the field."
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