ENG v IND 2022: ‘We were aware of England batters’ weak points,’ says Siraj as India bowl out the hosts for 284

India took a massive first-innings lead of 132 runs with Siraj claiming four scalps.

Mohammed Siraj | GettyIndia pacer Mohammed Siraj said they were not concerned even as England batter Jonny Bairstow launched an onslaught on the visiting bowlers on Day 3 of the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston.

According to Siraj, it is important for bowlers to keep patience when batters decide to take them on during a Test match.

After struggling and surviving a few close calls, Bairstow wreaked havoc on the Indian bowling attack to return with an entertaining century (106 off 140 balls).

Despite his heroics, the hosts were bowled out for 284, conceding a massive first-innings lead of 132 runs with Mohammed Siraj (4-66) and Jasprit Bumrah (3-68) starring with the ball for India.

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"As bowlers, we had to just keep patience. Bairstow is in form and he has been continuously playing attacking (game) since the New Zealand series. So we were aware his confidence was high," Siraj said after the third day's play on Sunday (July 4).

"Our plan was simple, stick to our basics. We just kept believing in our ability, no matter what he did, it was a matter of one ball - be it an inswinger or seaming in off the pitch.

"In England, it is common to beat a batter multiple times, you just need to be patient and concentrate on your process," he added.

Siraj said the Indian bowlers did their homework and were aware of English batters' weaknesses.

"When we saw the New Zealand series, we realised that our every bowler is 140-plus and they (New Zealand bowlers) didn't have that," Siraj said.

"We had that ability and we also had played against England last year. So that was our plus point, as we were aware of their weak points and that is why we got the success."

Batting in the second innings, the tourists scored 125/3 at the close of play on Day 3, extending their lead to 257 runs.

Siraj believes it would be difficult for the home team to chase down anything above 350 in the final innings.

"In the first innings, the pitch was helpful to begin with, but after that it became flatter. So our only plan was to hit consistently in one area. If we took it easy, then we would end up leaking runs," he said.

"The ball also kept low. So it will be beneficial for us in the second innings."

At stumps, Cheteshwar Pujara was unbeaten on 50 with Rishabh Pant giving him company on 30 not out.

"He (Pujara) is a warrior. In Australia, he did it and here also, he is doing the job. Whenever the team requires, he always stands up. When the tough situation arises, he is always there to do the job.

"Exactly, bowling to him is difficult, he does not attack much and just keeps on leaving balls so that can get irritating in the nets," Siraj said.

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 04 Jul, 2022

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