Mohammed Siraj Shines as India Dominates England in Second Test
Mohammed Siraj Leads India's Bowling Attack
In the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Team India's pacer Mohammed Siraj took charge of the bowling unit in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Siraj's performance marked a significant improvement from his outing in the Headingley Test, where he struggled to secure wickets, particularly in the second innings.
At Edgbaston, the 31-year-old bowler showcased a remarkable rhythm, understanding the weight of his responsibility without Bumrah. He achieved a six-wicket haul, conceding 70 runs over 19.1 overs, which played a crucial role in dismissing England for 407, giving India a substantial first innings lead of 182 runs.
Addressing Bumrah's Absence
The decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah raised concerns about India's bowling strength. The team's reliance on Bumrah during their defeat at Headingley highlighted a lack of support from other bowlers, especially when Bumrah went wicketless in his 19 overs, allowing England to chase down a target of 371 effortlessly.
Before the Edgbaston Test, the choice to rest Bumrah sparked discussions among experts, including Ravi Shastri and Dale Steyn, who cautioned that India might face challenges without their leading pacer. However, Siraj stepped up, leading the pace attack with intensity and precision, effectively dismantling England's batting lineup.
Siraj's Resilience Against England's Counterattack
On Day 2, Siraj claimed his first wicket by dismissing Zak Crawley (19) and continued to make an impact on Day 3 by taking out Joe Root (22) and Ben Stokes (0) in consecutive deliveries, putting India in a commanding position at 84/5. Despite his early successes, India struggled to maintain pressure, allowing Harry Brook and Jamie Smith to form a formidable 303-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Smith's aggressive start saw him reach his century in just 80 balls, while Brook's assertive batting further challenged India's bowlers. Nevertheless, Siraj remained composed, maintaining tight lines and lengths, similar to Bumrah's approach in the Headingley Test.
Siraj's Final Flourish
Siraj's disciplined bowling allowed him to concede only five boundaries during England's counterattack. After a brief absence from the attack, he returned to claim three more wickets, dismissing Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Shoaib Bashir, all for ducks, thus completing his six-wicket haul at Edgbaston. This achievement made him the first Indian pacer since Chetan Sharma in 1986 to take six wickets in an innings at this venue.
Akash Deep's Crucial Support
While Siraj led the bowling charge, Akash Deep also made significant contributions. He dismissed two top-order batsmen, Ben Duckett (0) and Ollie Pope (0), on consecutive deliveries, triggering a collapse in England's batting lineup. Although he went wicketless for a while, his consistent pressure was vital.
Deep's breakthrough came in the 83rd over when he dismissed Harry Brook, ending the massive partnership. He later removed Chris Woakes for 5, shifting the momentum back to India. Akash Deep, who replaced Bumrah, proved his worth with a four-wicket haul, showcasing his maturity under pressure.
India's Steady Second Innings
After bowling out England for 407, India began their second innings with a solid 182-run lead. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul provided a strong start, aiming to build a substantial partnership. However, Jaiswal was dismissed by Josh Tongue for 22, concluding a 51-run opening stand with Rahul.
Rahul (28*) and Karun Nair (7*) ensured no further wickets fell, as India ended Day 3 with a score of 64/1 after 13 overs, extending their lead to 244 runs.