'The sort of bloke every captain loves...': Nasser Hussain lavishes praise on Mohammed Siraj, compares him to England great

Mohammed Siraj has been one of the top performers for India in the fifth Test against England, picking up five scalps so far in the match. The Men in Blue wrapped up the fourth day on a positive note thanks to the 31-year-old as the rattled the wickets of Zak Crawley and got the much-needed breakthrough for the visitors.

The Three Lions ended the day on 50/1 and will be requiring 324 runs as the action resumes on Day 4. On the other hand, India will be needing nine wickets to script a famous victory in London and level up the series.

Hussain compared Siraj to Darreen Gough

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain was quite impressed with Siraj's bowling effort during the match and remarked that he is a player that any captain would love having in the team. Not just this, he even compared the India quick to former England seamer Darren Gough.

“With Chris Woakes going down injured for England, Siraj is the only fast bowler who has lasted the course of the series and put in spell after spell," Hussain said on Sky Sports.

“He is the sort of bloke a captain absolutely loves. He lifts the team. I always talk about Darren Gough being that sort of person when I was England captain, and Siraj is that man for India," he added.

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Hussain also hailed India for the fighting spirit that they have showcased in the ongoing series, stating that many believed that they would capitulate after the defeat in the first Test at Headingley. However, the Shubman Gill-led side never gave up and ensured that the series winner gets decided in the final match.

“I have been hugely impressed with the character and fight they have shown throughout this series. Some people thought they might roll over after the way they lost at Headingley, but they have since shown what a tough side they are to beat," Hussain stated.

“They have won as many sessions as England, if not more. They have just been found wanting in some of the crucial moments. It is especially impressive when you consider they lost legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli right before the series," he added.

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Meanwhile, the fifth Test between India and England looks set for a dramatic end. With both sides having a good chance of emerging victorious, it remains to be seen which one of them will come out on top on the much-anticipated fourth day of Oval Test.