On Day 3 of the second Test between India and England at Edgbaston, Mohammed Siraj bowled a superb performance to put India in command. His stats of 6/70 boosted India to a 244-run lead at stumps after bowling England out for 407. Siraj brought up about his emotions and love for duty following the day’s play in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
India’s bowling unit has been under fire in recent away Tests, especially with Bumrah sidelined to manage workload. Siraj took up the role of leading the attack in his absence. England’s Jamie Smith and Harry Brook put on a solid 303-run stand to get the home team back on track.
But Siraj’s spell, particularly with the second new ball, ensured India maintained a commanding lead in the game.
He took six wickets, four of which came in the final five overs of England’s innings, including the wicket of England captain Ben Stokes for a duck. He admits to thriving under pressure.
“I can’t believe this emotion. I’d been waiting for this moment for more than a year. I always bowled well, but wickets didn’t fall. Today’s morning session felt terrific, but there was no breakthrough—so these six wickets are quite exceptional. The pitch was slow, but I knew I had responsibilities.
I hadn’t played many matches recently, but with experience, I knew not to overdo it. Just keep bowling in the proper locations. This creates pressure and alters the atmosphere. I’ve played 38 Tests, so my goal was to bring steadiness. With 600 runs on the board, I didn’t want to go looking for wickets; all I wanted was consistency. I enjoy taking on responsibilities and meeting new challenges. I’ve had numerous hardships in my life, and I believe I perform best when I’m under pressure,” Siraj told JioHotstar’s ‘Match Centre Live’.
On Day 4, India hopes to increase its lead above 400 points.
Despite bowling the fewest overs among pacers (save for the ineffectual Prasidh Krishna), Siraj led the assault brilliantly. According to stats, he was expected to strike the stumps 28 times, more than any other bowler, and three of those deliveries resulted in wickets.
Siraj’s record without Bumrah is outstanding. Siraj has 39 wickets at 25.20 in 15 Tests that India has not played with their top bowler. India finished the day at 64/1, with Karun Nair and KL Rahul remaining at the crease following Yashasvi Jaiswal’s wicket for 28. The visitors are now leading by 244 runs, and they expect to surpass 400 on day four.
