ENG vs IND: This Series Will Also Be Memorable If We Win - Mohammed Siraj

Indian pace bowler Mohammed Siraj said if India goes on to win the five-match Test series against England then it will be another memorable series after the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21.

India posted 416 in the first innings of the rescheduled fifth Test against England in Birmingham thanks to gritty centuries by Rishabh Pant (146) and Ravindra Jadeja (104) and some brisk hitting by stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah (31 not out) in the end.

We dominated for the first three days: Mohammed Siraj

India bowled England out for 284 despite Jonny Bairstow’s counter-attacking innings (106 off 140 balls) on the third day that fetched him his fifth Test hundred this summer. The visitors ended the day with a 257-run lead in the second innings on the back of Cheteshwar Pujara’s calm and composed knock (50*) and Pant (30*) extended his support to the veteran in their 50-run unbeaten partnership.

“We dominated for the first three days. The partnership of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja was brilliant and placed us in a strong position in this test match,” Siraj said in a press conference after the third day’s play. 

“We had to be patient given (Jonny) Bairstow’s form. He was attacking so we stuck to our basic planning. We had the belief in our ability,” he added. 

Siraj picked the prized wicket of star England batter Joe Root on the second day and cleaned up keeper Sam Billings before the latter could impose himself against the Indian bowling attack. Siraj finished with figures 4/66 and took his tally to 18 dismissals in five matches.

“After the IPL I lost the outswing so I worked hard on the swing. It might look great to bowl outswing but it might not fetch you too many wickets. So I had to work on bowling inswing as well,” Siraj said. 

It will be another memorable series if we win: Mohammed Siraj

Siraj made his Test debut in India’s historic Test series victory against Australia Down Under last year. He led the inexperienced Indian bowling attack in the fourth Test at the Gabba and picked 5/73 in the second innings, including the wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith.

“It was a memorable series in Australia (in 2020-21). This will also be memorable (if we win),” the 28-year-old mentioned. 

India are leading 2-1 in the five-match Tests and all they need is a draw in Birmingham to seal their first Test series triumph in England since 2007.

Also Read: ENG vs IND: Plan Was To Stick To Basics, Have Patience: Mohammed Siraj