Perform best when there's burden on my shoulders: Mohammed Siraj

On Day 3 of the second Test between India and England at Edgbaston, Mohammed Siraj produced an impressive spell that put India in a commanding position. His figures of 6/70 helped bowl England out for 407 and gave India a 244-run lead at stumps. Speaking after the day’s play, Siraj opened up about his emotions and love for responsibility in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

India’s bowling unit has been receiving criticism in recent away Tests, particularly with Bumrah rested to manage workload. In his absence, the responsibility fell on Siraj to lead the attack. England’s Jamie Smith and Harry Brook stitched a strong 303-run stand, getting the home team back on track.

But Siraj’s spell, particularly with the second new ball, ensured India retained a strong hold on the game. He claimed six wickets, four of them from the final five in England’s innings, including the wicket of England skipper Ben Stokes for a duck. He admitted he thrives under pressure.

"This feeling is unbelievable. I’d been waiting for a moment like this for over a year. I always bowled well but wickets didn’t come. Today, the morning session felt good but still no breakthrough—so these six wickets are really special. The pitch was slow, but I knew I had a responsibility. I haven’t played too many matches recently, but with experience, I knew not to try too much. Just keep bowling in the right areas. That builds pressure and changes the atmosphere. I’ve played 38 Tests, so my aim was to bring stability. With 600 runs on the board, I didn’t want to go hunting for wickets—I just wanted to be consistent. I love responsibility, I love challenges. I’ve seen many challenges in life, and I feel I perform best when there’s a burden on my shoulders," Siraj said on ‘Match Centre Live’ on JioHotstar.

India looks to extend lead past 400 on Day 4

Despite bowling the fewest overs among pacers (apart from the ineffective Prasidh Krishna), Siraj led the attack brilliantly. According to data, he was projected to hit the stumps 28 times, more than any other bowler, and three of those deliveries brought him wickets. Siraj’s record without Bumrah is impressive. In 15 Tests played without India’s ace pacer, Siraj has 39 wickets at 25.20. India ended the day at 64/1 with Karun Nair and KL Rahul still at the crease after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s wicket for 28. The visitors are currently leading by 244 runs, which they’ll hope to go past at least 400 on the fourth day.