Mohammed Siraj delivered a superb bowling performance in the Birmingham Test, taking 6 wickets and giving India a crucial 180-run lead in the first innings.
IND vs ENG: In the second Test match between India and England being played at Edgbaston, Birmingham, Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj put up a performance on the third day that not only broke the back of the English team but also put India back in a b position in the match. Taking on the role of the team's main bowler in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj showed with his performance that he is no longer just an option, but a frontline attack leader.
Shubman Gill's Bat, Then Siraj's Ball Wreaks Havoc
India built a massive score in the first innings, thanks to Shubman Gill's historic 269 runs. He didn't let the English bowlers have their way and hit shots to every corner of the field. India's innings ended at 587 runs. The first two days saw batsmen dominate, but on the third day, the bowlers got a chance to make their mark.
England's start was very poor and the first 5 wickets fell for just 84 runs. Then, Jamie Smith and Harry Brook took charge and put up a memorable partnership of 303 runs. This partnership had started to put pressure on the Indian team at one point, but that's when Siraj started to weave his magic.
Siraj's Brilliant Bowling Changed the Picture
England's start was very poor, with half of their team returning to the pavilion for just 84 runs. After this, Smith and Brook steadied the innings, but as soon as the partnership broke, Siraj wreaked havoc.
He took 6 wickets for 70 runs in a hard-working 19.3 overs spell. The special thing was that he completely demolished England's lower order and bundled out their innings for 407 runs. In this way, India got a b lead of 180 runs in the first innings.
Siraj Said – 'I Was Waiting for This Opportunity for a Long Time'
In the press conference, Siraj clearly stated about his performance that he is not afraid of taking responsibility: 'I love challenges. The real test comes when there is pressure. I decided to stick to the plan and the result is in front of you.'
This thinking of his makes it clear that Siraj is now not just a fast bowler, but a player who thinks and adapts himself according to the situation.
Siraj Fulfilled a Big Responsibility in Bumrah's Absence
When captain Rohit Sharma didn't have a key bowler like Bumrah to hand the ball to, Siraj took the responsibility. After the match, Siraj said: 'I was preparing for this kind of performance for a long time. When the team needed me, I found myself ready. This was my opportunity to handle the team in the absence of Bumrah bhai.'
He also said that the pitch was slow, so it was necessary to bowl with patience on a consistent line and length.
India Got a Lead of 180 Runs
England's first innings ended at 407 runs, giving India a big lead of 180 runs in the first innings. After this, India had scored 64 runs without any loss by the end of the third day's play. Now, the Indian team's strategy is to gain a lead of at least 350 runs in the second innings and give England a big target.
If India gives a target of 500 or more to England, then Siraj and the Indian bowlers will have a chance to convert this match into a win.
