Mohammed Siraj wreaked havoc on the England batting line-up on Friday (July 4), returning with a six-wicket haul to put India in the driver’s seat of the Edgbaston Test.
The right-arm quick ripped through England's top order, reducing them to 84/5 before a stunning 303-run partnership between Harry Brook (158) and Jamie Smith (184*) brought the hosts back into the game.
However, Siraj returned with the second new ball to wipe out the tail, ending England's innings at 407 in reply to India’s 587. This was his third five-wicket haul in Tests, and came at a time when the touring side was seeking brilliance from one of its bowlers in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
After the day’s play, Siraj credited fellow pacer Akash Deep for his success at Edgbaston. Akash, replacing Bumrah in the XI, picked up four wickets for 88 runs as he and Siraj (6/70) ensured India gain a big first-innings lead of 180 runs
"Akash Deep is like a horse. He was waiting for opportunity and when the opportunity arrived he has shown how hungry he was. To be honest I enjoyed a lot bowling with him," Siraj told bcci.tv.
"I love when given responsibility. My only goal was not to give runs from my end. I tried to bowl with control as much as possible and keep the batsmen under pressure."
Akash too credited Siraj and said he enjoyed a lot sharing the new ball with him. "With the first new ball I got two wickets but Mian (Siraj) played a big role. He kept the pressure from one end," the Bengal-based pacer said.
"Very important role (Siraj played), we bowled in partnership with the new ball. Enjoyed a lot. The way we made a comeback with the second new ball was special."
Akash Deep missed out on maiden five-wicket haul but he doesn't have any regrets. "Five wickets will come and go but I never have these things in mind," he stated.
Reflecting on the unfavouring conditions at Edgbaston, Siraj said he loves to perform under pressure and India's staggering first innings score of 587 also gave them a cushion.
"The pitch was slow, but I knew I had a responsibility. I haven't played too many matches recently, but with experience, I knew not to try too much. Just keep bowling in the right areas. That builds pressure and changes the atmosphere. I've played 38 Tests, so my aim was to bring stability. With 600 runs on the board, I didn't want to go hunting for wickets - I just wanted to be consistent. I love responsibility, I love challenges. I've seen many challenges in life, and I feel I perform best when there's a burden on my shoulders," the pacer remarked.
