[WATCH]: 'I only believe in myself and Jassi bhai' – Arshdeep Singh hails Mohammed Siraj's six-wicket haul in 2nd Test against England

India ended Day 3 of the second Test at Edgbaston in a strong position, a brilliant bowling performance from Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep. Siraj took six wickets for 70 runs—his best figures in England—while Akash Deep supported him well with a four-wicket haul. England were bowled out for 407 despite a 303-run partnership between Jamie Smith and Harry Brook. India now leads by 244 runs with nine wickets in hand, putting them in control of the match.

Arshdeep Singh praised Siraj for leading the pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for this Test. “I only believe in myself and Jassi Bhai,” Arshdeep said in a BCCI video. Siraj made a big impact early on Day 3, removing Joe Root and Ben Stokes off back-to-back deliveries in just the second over of the day. He continued to trouble the English batters and eventually cleaned up the tail to finish with six wickets.

Speaking after the day’s play, Siraj shared how he enjoys being given responsibility. “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,” he said. He also praised Akash Deep for stepping up in this match and performing with great energy and focus.

Siraj-Akash Partnership Shines for India

Siraj highlighted how important it was to bowl with Akash Deep, who was making the most of his opportunity. “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 ball to him, because the first ones are always special,” Siraj said. He added that they talked about their bowling plans and also supported each other during the innings.

Watch the video here

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Akash Deep broke the massive Brook-Smith partnership, dismissing Brook with the second new ball, after which Siraj cleaned up the rest of the tail, including the last wicket of Shoaib Bashir. England’s collapse also created history, as India became the first team to dismiss six English batters for ducks in a single Test innings. By stumps, India’s openers had added 64 runs, with only Jaiswal falling for 28. The visitors will now look to build a match-winning lead on Day 4.