Siraj Shines with 6-Wicket Haul, Embraces Pace Leader Role in Bumrah’s Absence

India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj is relishing the responsibility of leading the Indian pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, and his performance on Day 3 of the second Test against England at Edgbaston proved exactly why. Siraj was the standout bowler for India, registering a career-best overseas figure of 6/70 to dismantle the English batting line-up and hand India a crucial advantage.

This was Siraj’s fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket and his second-best career figures after his 6/15 against South Africa in Cape Town earlier this year. The 31-year-old right-arm pacer, who has often played the supporting role to Bumrah, took center stage in Birmingham and delivered a clinical spell of fast bowling, helping India bowl out England for 407 in their first innings. India gained a massive 180-run lead and ended Day 3 at 64/1, extending their advantage to 244 runs with KL Rahul (28*) and Karun Nair (7*) at the crease.

Speaking to the press after the day’s play, Siraj expressed his joy at stepping up when the team needed him most. “I love responsibility, I love the challenge. It’s unbelievable because I was waiting for a long time. I have been bowling well but not getting wickets. I have only got four-wicket hauls here, so getting six here is very special,” Siraj said.

Facing criticism in recent months for not providing enough support to Bumrah—especially since the Australia tour—Siraj seemed determined to prove his critics wrong. With an inexperienced pace unit around him, including Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna, Siraj took charge of the attack with maturity and discipline.

“The wicket was very slow, but when you are given a responsibility to lead the attack, my aim was to not try too much and just bowl in the right areas and bowl with discipline. My mindset was to keep it tight and not give away runs,” he added.

Siraj also spoke about his desire to try different things while bowling, but he emphasized the importance of consistency and maintaining pressure on the opposition. “It’s Akash Deep’s third or fourth match, same for Prasidh, so I just focused on staying consistent and building pressure.”

His efforts played a vital role in putting India in the driver’s seat. As Day 4 approaches, India will look to stretch their lead beyond 400 and set England a daunting fourth-innings target.

With Siraj leading the charge and rediscovering his rhythm, India’s pace battery looks capable of stepping up even in the absence of their talisman, Bumrah.

IT.