‘I only believe in myself and Jassi bhai’ – Arshdeep Singh hails Mohammed Siraj’s six wicket haul to give India massive advantage

Arshdeep Singh and Mohammad Siraj (Source: BCCI)

After a hard-fought third day of the second Test at Edgbaston, India found themselves in a solid position, thanks to a six-wicket haul from Mohammed Siraj and a four-for from Akash Deep. With a 244-run lead and nine wickets still in hand in the second innings, the visitors are well set to push for a series-leveling win.

Speaking after the day’s play, Arshdeep Singh praised Siraj’s bowling efforts and leading the attack in place of Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for this Test. In his absence, Siraj led from the front with figures of 6 for 70, his best in Tests in England. “I only believe in myself and Jassi Bhai,” Arshdeep said in a video posted by BCCI.

Siraj began Day 3 by removing Joe Root and Ben Stokes off consecutive deliveries in just the second over of the morning. He consistently put pressure on the opposition throughout the day, eventually cleaning up the tail. The pacer appreciated the added responsibility and trust shown in him.

“I love when responsibility is given to me, my only aim was to not leak runs from my end and try to control my bowling and put pressure on the opposition,” Siraj said.

Akash Deep is like a horse: Mohammed Siraj

Despite a fightback by Jamie Smith (184*) and Harry Brook (158), who stitched together a 303-run stand for the sixth wicket, Indian bowlers made sure to keep going hard at the opposition batters. Siraj’s partnership with Akash Deep played a big role in restricting the English batters to 407.

“Akash Deep is like a horse. He was waiting for an opportunity. Once he got the opportunity, he proved his hunger. To be honest, it was great bowling alongside him. If we both had gotten fifers, I would have given this bowl to him, because the first ones are always special. I also suggested to Akash that I bowl outside, but he told me to go just for the wicket,” he added.

Meanwhile, Akash Deep finished with 4 for 88, breaking the Brook-Smith partnership by dismissing Brook with the second new ball. The dismissal triggered England’s collapse as Siraj ran through the lower order, picking up his fifth and sixth wickets. His dismissal of Shoaib Bashir ended the innings, with England being bowled out for 407, still 180 runs behind.

The Indian bowlers registered their names in the record books, becoming the first team to dismiss six English batters for ducks in a single Test innings. With their lead extended to 244 by stumps on Day 3, the visitors have put themselves in a good position. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul added 64 before Jaiswal fell for 28.

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