Mohammed Siraj led India’s pace attack with fire and control on Day 2 of the fifth Test versus England at The Oval as he helped the visitors turn the match around. With Jasprit Bumrah rested for the game and later released from the squad, Siraj stepped up as the most experienced bowler in the attack and delivered a crucial spell that broke England’s strong start.
India had been under pressure after a poor opening session. England were 129/1 after India had bundled out for just 224. But Siraj, along with Prasidh Krishna, ensured the momentum swung back in India’s favour. Both fast-bowlers picked up four wickets each, dismantling England. England got bowled out at 247.
Jasprit Bumrah’s absence did not go unnoticed in the Indian camp and both Mohammad Siraj and Prasidh spoke about his influence even when he was not on the field.
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Also read: IND vs ENG: No Bumrah, no worry as Mohammed Siraj steps up at The Oval
Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna Reflect on Jasprit Bumrah’s Influence
After the day’s play, Siraj revealed a light-hearted conversation he had with Bumrah before he was leaving the squad.
"I asked Jassi bhai, 'Why are you going? Who will I hug when I take five wickets?' He said, 'I'm here, you take your five wickets!'" Siraj said as quoted in a video shared by the BCCI.
Prasidh also spoke about the bond within the pace unit and Bumrah’s role in it.
"Booms (Bumrah) has been a great part of this. I think it's really important for us to enjoy each other's success, to have that rapport off the field, so when you're on the field, speaking to each other, you have that trust. Only that is going to make the team better," Prasidh shared.
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India in Driver's Seat Ahead of Day 3
India were bowled out for 224 in the morning on Day 2 with Karun Nair’s 57 helping them past the 200-run mark. England’s openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley came out blazing, taking around 13 overs to reach 92.Â
However, from 129/1, England collapsed to 247 all out. Siraj got the wickets of Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell.
In their second innings, India reached 75/2 by stumps, holding a 52-run lead. Yashasvi Jaiswal was unbeaten on 51, keeping the visitors in control heading into Day 3.
Also read: IND vs ENG: Prasidh Krishna & Mohammed Siraj's terrific display helps India fight on Day 2
