Mohammed Siraj silenced critics with a devastating spell on Day 3, removing Joe Root and Ben Stokes in consecutive deliveries to put India in command at Edgbaston.
Table of Contents
Siraj’s Redemption Story Unfolds
The pressure was mounting on Mohammed Siraj’s shoulders when Day 3 began at Edgbaston. Critics had questioned his inclusion after modest figures in the first Test, but the Hyderabad speedster had the perfect answer – raw pace, precision, and ice-cold nerves when it mattered most.
Walking into his first over of the day, Siraj wasn’t just carrying the new ball; he was carrying the hopes of a billion fans who needed someone to step up in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence.
Early success on Day 3 for #TeamIndia ✅
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2025
Mohammed Siraj is on a roll here at Edgbaston! ⚡️ ⚡️
England 5 down as Joe Root & Ben Stokes depart.
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/Oxhg97g4BF#ENGvIND | @mdsirajofficial pic.twitter.com/Y41zkQfz7X
Siraj’s Day 3 Double Strike
| Batsman | Dismissal | Runs Scored | Delivery | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Root | Caught behind by Pant | 22 (46 balls) | Down leg side | Massive breakthrough |
| Ben Stokes | Caught behind by Pant | 0 (1 ball) | Seaming away | Golden duck |
| Combined Effect | 2 wickets in 2 balls | 22 runs | Perfect execution | England reeling |
The Moment That Changed Everything
Siraj’s first victim was Joe Root – England’s batting anchor and their most reliable run-scorer. Attempting a flick down the leg side, Root could only manage a faint edge that Rishabh Pant pouched safely behind the stumps. The Edgbaston crowd fell silent as their hero departed for just 22 runs.
But Siraj wasn’t done. The very next ball brought even more drama. Ben Stokes, England’s captain and their fighting spirit personified, walked to the crease expecting to weather the storm. Instead, he faced a beauty that seamed away just enough to kiss the edge – golden duck.
Perfect Numbers Tell the Story
The statistics reveal Siraj’s remarkable transformation when stepping up as the lead bowler. A fascinating pattern emerges: “Siraj averages 34 in Tests when Jasprit Bumrah is in India’s XI and 26 when he isn’t.”
Day 3 Impact:
- First over breakthrough: Joe Root caught behind
- Consecutive ball magic: Ben Stokes golden duck
- England’s response: From confident to crumbling
- India’s position: Command regained
The Pressure Performer
This wasn’t just about two wickets – it was about answering critics who had written him off after the first Test figures of 2/122 and 0/51. The moment demanded a leader, and Siraj stepped up magnificently.
His celebration after dismissing Stokes told the whole story. The roar, the passion, the release of all that pent-up frustration – this was a bowler proving his worth on the biggest stage.
Building on Early Success
Siraj had already made his mark on Day 2 by removing Zak Crawley, but Day 3 was where he truly announced himself as India’s strike bowler in Bumrah’s absence. The twin strike in consecutive deliveries showcased his ability to maintain pressure and capitalise on crucial moments.
Previous Day’s Success:
- Removed dangerous Zak Crawley
- Set up Day 3 perfectly for India
- Proved capable of leading the attack
The Bigger Picture
Siraj’s performance represents more than individual brilliance – it highlights India’s bowling depth and their ability to find match-winners throughout their ranks. With India’s Test series hanging in the balance, performances like this can define careers.
His success also vindicated India’s team management decisions, showing that the Indian fast bowling unit has multiple match-winners ready to step up when needed.
What This Means:
- Siraj silences critics with crucial breakthroughs
- India’s bowling attack shows depth beyond Bumrah
- Day 3 momentum shifts decisively toward visitors
- Championship-level performance under pressure
With England suddenly under pressure at 88/5, Siraj’s double strike could prove to be the defining moment of this crucial Test match. Sometimes, cricket rewards those who rise when the spotlight burns brightest.
Read more: 11 Must-Watch K-Drama Coming in July 2025: Lee Jong Suk, Lee Dong Wook Lead Star-Studded Lineup
