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As India prepares for a tough Test series in Sri Lanka, all eyes are on Mohammed Siraj to lead the pace attack in Jasprit Bumrah's absence. And according to cricket columnist Jamie Alter, Siraj has fully earned that responsibility.

Remember the Oval last year? England needed 35 runs with four wickets left. Siraj stepped up with a sensational spell, dismissing Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, and Gus Atkinson to seal a six-run win and finish with a five-wicket haul. That performance summed up his growing stature.

Over the past 12 months, Siraj has taken 17 wickets at a strike rate of 39.1, compared to Bumrah's 15 wickets. He bowled more overs than any Indian fast bowler in England and was the team's leading wicket-taker. While Bumrah remains world-class, leadership is about more than ability; it's about carrying the workload, bowling tough spells, and delivering under pressure.

Siraj hasn't played much international cricket recently, with his last Test appearance in June. But his rhythm in red-ball cricket has consistently been outstanding. With Bumrah's workload managed carefully, Siraj has become the go-to man when India need breakthroughs. He has rightly earned the tag of attack leader.