Indian bowler Mohammed Siraj tore through England’s batting line-up, returning with sensational figures of 6-70 during day three of the ongoing second Test at Edgbaston. The pacer’s devastating spell not only derailed England’s innings but also placed India firmly in control of the match, demonstrating his skill when it was needed most.
With senior pacer Bumrah absent from the attack, Siraj took it upon himself to lead India’s relatively inexperienced bowling unit.
"I love responsibility, I love the challenge. It's unbelievable because I was waiting for a long time. I have been bowling well but not getting wickets. I have only got four-wicket hauls here, so getting six here is very special. It's Akash Deep's third or fourth match, same for Prasidh, so I was just focused on staying consistent and building pressure. I feel like trying different things, but I have to stay consistent,” Siraj was quoted as saying by PTI.
Siraj said he only focused on bowling in the right areas and didn’t try to do anything extra.
“The wicket was very slow but when you are given a responsibility to lead the attack, my aim was to not try too much and just bowl in the right areas and bowl with discipline. My mindset was to keep it tight and not give away runs," he said.
India, who are having a lead of 244 runs, will look to set a challenging target for England. They will head into day four with the second innings’ score of 64/1 with KL Rahul (28*) and Karun Nair (7*) unbeaten at the crease.