At one stage of the game on Day three during the England vs India game in Edgbaston, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith were threatening to take the lead with a mammoth partnership of over 300 runs. The duo got together when the hosts were reeling at 85 for 5. From there on, they counterattacked and did not allow any of the Indian bowlers to settle for over two sessions. However, into the last session on Day three, Mohammed Siraj found his groove and dismissed Woakes with an absolute cracking delivery.
From that moment, the England batters lost the plot completely as five wickets fell for just 31 runs. Siraj took three out of those wickets to fall to finish with a six-fer. Without Jasprit Bumrah, the Hyderabad pacer showed his class and gave India a huge 150-plus lead. Speaking after the end of Day three's play, the veteran pacer, with 38 Tests experience, said he looks for the pressure moments to stand tall and deliver match-winning performances.
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“Akash Deep is playing just his 3rd or 4th Test match. The same is the case with Prasidh Krishna. I have played 38 Tests. My only aim was to deliver and bowl consistent lines and lengths. I had almost 600 runs on my board. So, I also wanted to try this. But my only aim was to hold the ball as much as I could. If the pressure builds, it would have been great for us,” said Mohammed Siraj.
“I love the responsibility. I love a challenge. Because I have seen a lot of challenges in life. And I have come from there. So, I like challenges. And when responsibility comes to me, then I take that thing very well. So, I like it when responsibility comes to me,” he added.
Plan is to score as many runs as possible: Mohammed Siraj
At stumps on Day three, the visitors were 64/1, with an overall lead of 244 runs. They are in a commanding position and will now look to pile more agony on England on Day four. India would also be vary of the fact to set a huge fourth innings total, as the hosts are known to hunt any target. Siraj stated the plan is to score as many runs as possible and bat England out of the game.
“We are very far ahead. But our plan is to make as many runs as possible on the board. Their mindset is attacking. So we want to get as many runs as possible. It's good for the bowlers as well,” said Siraj.
“Day by day, the pitch has been slowing down. I didn't feel anything. If you bowl at one place, once the run starts leaking, it's very difficult to stop. Patience is very important here,” he added.
