Mohammed Siraj picked up a brilliant five-wicket haul, leading India’s resurgence after a dominant stand between Harry Brook and Jamie Smith.
Mohammed Siraj Leads from the Front with Career-Best Figures at Edgbaston
Mohammed Siraj rose to the occasion in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, delivering a match-defining performance in the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The 31-year-old pacer picked up six wickets in the first innings, spearheading India’s comeback after a formidable 303-run partnership between Harry Brook and Jamie Smith on Day 3 of the five-match series.
Mohammed Siraj began his spell of dominance late on Day 2, dismissing opener Zak Crawley. He followed it up with a sensational start on Day 3, removing Joe Root and Ben Stokes off consecutive deliveries in just the second over. Known for leaking runs in the first Test, Mohammed Siraj bounced back by bowling tight, probing lines that kept the English batters under constant pressure—even as Brook and Smith counterattacked.
While Brook and Smith’s stand briefly tilted the momentum in England’s favor, the second new ball flipped the script. Akash Deep broke the partnership by bowling Brook for 158, and Siraj took over from there, dismissing Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Shoaib Bashir in quick succession. His fifth wicket came with the dismissal of Tongue, prompting a heartfelt celebration where he raised the ball to the crowd and received a warm hug from captain Shubman Gill.
Siraj wrapped up the tail quickly, finishing with figures of 6 for 70 in 19.3 overs — his best-ever performance in a Test match in England. His effort gave India a crucial 180-run first-innings lead. Akash Deep supported brilliantly, claiming the remaining four wickets, as the duo accounted for all ten English dismissals, bundling the hosts out for 407.
Jamie Smith enters record books
Jamie Smith etched his name into the record books with an unbeaten 184 — the highest score by an England wicketkeeper-batter in Test history. Batting at No.7, he also registered the highest Test score for England from that position or lower, surpassing KS Ranjitsinhji’s 175 against Australia at the SCG back in 1897.
Earlier in the match, England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bowl first. India capitalised on the decision, piling up a massive 587, led by a majestic 269-run knock from skipper Shubman Gill.