Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep proved to be a formidable duo in the recent India vs England Test, taking all ten wickets between them and earning high praise from each other.
A Stellar Pace Partnership
In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, pacers Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep stepped up brilliantly for India against England at Edgbaston. The pair combined to skittle out England for 407 runs, ensuring India maintained a healthy lead in the Test match.
Siraj was the pick of the bowlers, claiming an impressive six wickets for 70 runs. Akash Deep provided excellent support, snapping up four wickets for 88 runs, making sure no English batsman could truly settle.
Siraj: Akash Deep is Like a Horse
Speaking to BCCI.TV, Mohammed Siraj didn’t hold back in his admiration for his bowling partner. “Akash Deep is like a horse,” Siraj stated, highlighting his raw power and stamina.
Siraj emphasized that Akash Deep was eagerly waiting for his chance and showed immense hunger when the opportunity arose. He also expressed how much he enjoyed bowling alongside him, appreciating the responsibility of keeping the batsmen under pressure and controlling the flow of runs from his own end.
Akash Deep Credits Siraj’s Pressure
Akash Deep, in turn, was full of praise for Siraj, acknowledging his crucial role in their new ball partnership. “With the first new ball I got two wickets but Mian (Siraj) played a big role,” Akash Deep said, underlining Siraj’s ability to maintain pressure from the other end.
He described their bowling as a true partnership, particularly enjoying their collective effort with the new ball. Akash Deep also highlighted their special comeback with the second new ball, focusing on the team’s performance rather than individual milestones.
Crucial Wickets and Match Scenario
Siraj delivered vital blows in the morning session, dismissing key batsmen like Joe Root for 22 and Ben Stokes for a duck. Later, Akash Deep broke a threatening 303-run partnership between Harry Brook (158) and Steven Smith (184 not out), getting rid of Brook.
Akash Deep then claimed Chris Woakes for 5, reducing England to 395/7. Siraj efficiently wrapped up the tail, dismissing Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Shoaib Bashir for ducks, completing England’s innings.
India’s Strong Position
At the close of play on Day 3, India stood at 64 for 1 in their second innings, holding an impressive overall lead of 244 runs. KL Rahul was batting on 28, with Karun Nair on 7, poised to extend India’s advantage further. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the only wicket to fall, dismissed for 28 runs.
- Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep took all 10 England wickets, with Siraj claiming six and Akash Deep four.
- Siraj praised Akash Deep’s hunger and likened him to a “horse.”
- Akash Deep credited Siraj for maintaining pressure and their effective new ball partnership.
- India holds a strong 244-run lead at the end of Day 3.
This combined effort from the Indian pacers has put the team in a commanding position, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the Test match.
