Mohammed Siraj stepped up in Jasprit Bumrah's absence, delivering a sensational performance at Edgbaston, claiming six wickets and giving India a massive advantage. Siraj's figures of 6/70 helped India take a substantial 180-run lead in the first innings.
Siraj's remarkable spell is particularly significant as he became the first visiting pacer to achieve a six-wicket haul at Edgbaston since 1993. His performance is also recognized as the third-best bowling figures at the ground by a pacer from an away team. He is also one of only five pacers to secure a five-wicket haul against England at Edgbaston.
His crucial wickets included those of Zak Crawley, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes, dismantling England's top order and applying immense pressure. Notably, Siraj dismissed Stokes for a golden duck, marking a historic moment as it was the first time the England captain suffered such a dismissal in Test cricket. He later wrapped up the tail, dismissing Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Shoaib Bashir, ensuring India's dominance.
This outstanding performance marks Siraj's second-best figures in a Test innings, his best being 6/15 against South Africa in Cape Town in early 2024. This is Siraj's maiden five-wicket haul against England, and his fourth overall in the Test format.
Siraj's ability to strike when it mattered most was evident as he broke a formidable 303-run partnership between Harry Brook and Jamie Smith, which had threatened to shift the momentum in England's favor. With the second new ball in hand, Siraj found reverse swing and extracted movement off the pitch, dismantling England's lower order.
Interestingly, statistics suggest Siraj performs better in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Before the Edgbaston Test, Siraj had 33 wickets in 14 Tests without Bumrah, averaging 27.66. When playing alongside Bumrah, Siraj has taken 69 wickets in 23 Tests, averaging 33.82. Without Bumrah, Siraj is often the first-change bowler, getting involved in the game sooner and potentially benefiting from opponents taking more risks against him.
His success underscores his growing importance as a reliable performer in overseas conditions. In 38 Tests, Siraj has taken 108 wickets, with a significant portion of those wickets claimed away from home.
Siraj's fiery spell, combined with Akash Deep's support (4/88), ensured England's collapse, with their last five wickets falling for just 34 runs. Six English batters registered ducks, their worst-ever tally in a Test innings. India secured a significant first-innings lead and seized momentum in the match.
