Try GOLD - Free

Siraj—the last man standing

The New Indian Express Kannur

|

August 05, 2025

Mohammed Siraj was running in to deliver the first ball of the 86th over at Kennington Oval—his 1113th legitimate ball in what had been a marathon of a Test series between India and England.

- FIROZ MIRZA

Mohammed Siraj was running in to deliver the first ball of the 86th over at Kennington Oval—his 1113th legitimate ball in what had been a marathon of a Test series between India and England. He had already become the leading wicket-taker, having bowled more overs than anyone else across 25 days of play which began at Leeds a few moons ago.

Even the spell he was on started Sunday evening and thanks to rain and bad light interruptions, he had been on 12 overs. This was his 13th. So, he could have been tired. He might not have the same energy or pace. But not Siraj. He woke up on Monday morning telling himself that he should win the game for India. He googled "believe", downloaded his idol Cristiano Ronaldo's picture with the word 'believe' and made it his phone wallpaper. He kept telling himself to believe.

The New Indian Express Kannur

This story is from the August 05, 2025 edition of The New Indian Express Kannur.

Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.

Already a subscriber?

MORE STORIES FROM The New Indian Express Kannur

The New Indian Express Kannur

'Short order' before final judgement for AIFF case

THE Supreme Court on Monday reserved the order involving renewal of the Master Right Agreement (MRA) between the FSDL and All India Football Federation (AIFF) that will pave way for hosting the Indian Super League (ISL).

time to read

1 mins

September 02, 2025

The New Indian Express Kannur

Navarro at it again, parties livid over Brahmin remarks

WHITE House trade advisor Peter Navarro's \"Brahmins profiteering\" remark in reference to US President Donald Trump's additional 25 percent tariff on India buying Russian oil has sparked mixed reactions from opposition parties as well as Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council.

time to read

1 min

September 02, 2025

The New Indian Express Kannur

US tariffs: Analysts see rupee falling to 90 level

The deepening trade tension between New Delhi and Washington that began with the US slapping an additional 25% punitive tariffs on India's exports from last week may force rupee to plunge past 90 mark, unless the central bank props it up, warn economists.

time to read

2 mins

September 02, 2025

The New Indian Express Kannur

Tourism dept plans to add school kalolsavam to its cultural offering

IN a compelling move to expand its cultural offering, the tourism department is weighing implementing a campaign featuring the Kerala School Kalolsavam.

time to read

1 min

September 02, 2025

The New Indian Express Kannur

PM raps double standards on terror at SCO summit

Jt declaration condemns Pahalgam attack, calls for perpetrators to be brought to justice

time to read

2 mins

September 02, 2025

The New Indian Express Kannur

US embassy says 'defining relationship'

TWO months after India walked out of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers' statement over its silence on terrorism, the bloc on Monday took a significantly tougher stance.

time to read

2 mins

September 02, 2025

The New Indian Express Kannur

Double Standards SCO Summit

Jt declaration condemns Pahalgam attack, calls for perpetrators to be brought to justice

time to read

1 mins

September 02, 2025

The New Indian Express Kannur

Aug GST revenue at ₹1.86 L cr; lower than Jul

Andhra, K'taka, Bihar, T'gana, Maha, UP see double digit growth; while Jharkhand, Manipur see fall in revenue

time to read

1 mins

September 02, 2025

The New Indian Express Kannur

Pinarayi orders to speed up rehabilitation at Chengara

CHIEF MINISTER Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday, gave instructions to speed up the rehabilitation procedures of 1,136 families at Chengara.

time to read

1 min

September 02, 2025

The New Indian Express Kannur

Only 144 applications from political parties: EC

As the month-long window for claims and objections under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls closes on Monday, the Election Commission informed that it has received only 144 applications from political parties, including 16 from the BJP, 10 from the RJD, and 118 from CPI (M-L) against the draft rolls of 7.24 crore electors.

time to read

1 min

September 02, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size