IND vs ENG | The Lord’s last-ball back story: Starring Mohammed Siraj, Shoaib Bashir

By | July 17, 2025
Mohammed Siraj delivers final ball at Lord’s in IND vs ENG Test match drama

Test cricket once again lived up to its reputation for drama, and the IND vs ENG Test at Lord’s delivered an ending that cricket fans won’t forget. While the scorecard may simply show a draw, those who watched the final ball know it was a heart-pounding conclusion between Mohammed Siraj and debutant Shoaib Bashir.

This is the IND vs ENG Last-Ball Story, a tale of pressure, courage, and mutual respect — played out at the historic home of cricket.

The Setup: Classic Lord’s Tension

Day 5 was full of uncertainty. England, set a target of 278, had crumbled under pressure. India’s bowlers, led by Siraj and Bumrah, had done the hard work. With one wicket in hand and six balls remaining, England needed a miracle.

Standing at the crease was Shoaib Bashir — not a seasoned batter, but a young off-spinner playing only his second Test. Facing him was India’s pace ace, Mohammed Siraj, who had already taken key wickets and was running in with fire in his eyes.

Bashir’s Unexpected Test

Bashir’s primary role in the team is with the ball. Yet here he was, carrying England’s hopes. Five balls were negotiated — some with control, others just barely. Siraj varied his length and speed, testing Bashir’s patience and reflexes.

Then came the sixth delivery.

The Final Ball

Siraj ran in hard and delivered a pinpoint yorker. It dipped just in time, threatening Bashir’s stumps. But the youngster managed to get his bat down in the nick of time, digging the ball out to safety.

No wicket. No win. The match ended in a draw. But it was a moment that left Lord’s buzzing.

The Stare That Spoke Volumes

Instead of walking off immediately, Siraj paused and stared down the pitch. Not in anger — but in admiration. He knew Bashir had just passed a serious examination under pressure. Bashir returned the gaze. It was cricket’s unspoken code of respect.

Siraj then nodded gently and walked away.

Crowd Reaction: Goosebumps at Lord’s

The crowd rose to their feet. There was no boundary. No hat-trick. Just a single blocked delivery that symbolized bravery and resilience. This is what makes Test cricket timeless — tension built over five days boiling down to one final moment.

What This Means for India

Though India didn’t win, the match showed the grit of their bowling attack. Mohammed Siraj proved once again that he’s among the most lethal fast bowlers in world cricket. His ability to stay calm under pressure and still bowl with purpose marks his evolution as a leader of the pack.

What This Means for England

Shoaib Bashir has likely earned the long-term trust of his teammates and coaching staff. Not many players survive their first real test at Lord’s — and certainly not with the bat. Bashir did. He may not be a natural batter, but his determination made him a hero in the eyes of fans.

Reactions on Social Media

The cricketing world quickly reacted on social platforms:

  • 🗣 “That last-ball stare from Siraj — pure drama. Bashir’s grit was something else!”
  • 📽 “Watch the full final over again. This is what Test cricket is about.”
  • 📸 BCCI video highlights | ECB post-match quotes

Final Word: A Draw That Felt Like a Win

The IND vs ENG Last-Ball Story proves once again that in Test cricket, the scoreboard doesn’t always tell the full story. Siraj may not have got the wicket, and Bashir may not have scored runs — but together, they created a moment cricket will remember.