Siraj’s 6-Fer Leads India in Bumrah’s Absence
With Jasprit Bumrah rested, Mohammed Siraj embraced the challenge of leading India’s pace attack in the second Test at Edgbaston—and delivered a spellbinding performance. Siraj claimed 6 wickets for 70 runs, his first-ever five-wicket haul in England, helping India bowl out England for 407 and secure a 180-run lead.
Siraj’s spell included the prized scalps of Joe Root and Ben Stokes in back-to-back deliveries, silencing the Edgbaston crowd and shifting momentum firmly in India’s favor.
“I Love a Challenge”: Siraj on Responsibility
Speaking to JioHotstar after Day 3, Siraj reflected on his role as the senior-most pacer:
“I love the responsibility. I love a challenge. Because I have seen a lot of challenges in life… when responsibility comes to me, I take it very well.”
With 38 Tests under his belt, Siraj said his focus was on maintaining pressure and bowling consistent lines, especially with a 600-run cushion behind him.
India’s Game Plan: Patience and Pressure
At stumps, India were 64/1 in their second innings, extending their lead to 244 runs. Siraj noted that the pitch was slowing down, making patience and scoreboard pressure key to India’s strategy.
“Their mindset is attacking. So we want to get as many runs as possible. It’s good for the bowlers as well.”
Siraj also emphasized the importance of not overdoing things on a slow surface, saying that building pressure through discipline was his main goal.
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