“I only believe in Miyan!” Mohammed Siraj stepped up magnificently in Bumrah’s absence, claiming a career-defining 6/70 to give India a commanding 180-run lead at Edgbaston.
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From Doubt to Destiny
The whispers were loud before Day 3 began. Without Jasprit Bumrah, could India’s bowling attack really threaten England on a batting-friendly Edgbaston surface? Mohammed Siraj had the perfect answer – a devastating spell that left English fans stunned and Indian hearts soaring.
When England stood at 387/5, still trailing by 200 runs but with a massive 303-run partnership threatening to take the game away, someone needed to step up. That someone was Siraj, who turned the match on its head with four wickets in the space of just 20 runs.
Siraj’s Match-Winning Figures
| Analysis | Figures | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Final Bowling Figures | 6/70 in 22 overs | Career-best Test performance |
| Key Wickets | Root, Stokes, Brook, Smith, Woakes, Bashir | Top and tail order demolished |
| England’s Collapse | 387/5 to 407 all out | Lost last 5 wickets for 20 runs |
| India’s Lead | 180 runs | Match-winning advantage |
The Statistical Paradox That Inspired
Here’s what makes Siraj’s performance even more remarkable: he averages 34 in Tests when playing with Bumrah versus just 26 without him. Perhaps the pressure of being the lead bowler brings out his best, forcing him to step beyond his comfort zone.
The Leadership Transformation:
- With Bumrah: Comfortable supporting role (Average: 34)
- Without Bumrah: Forced to lead (Average: 26)
- At Edgbaston: Pure destruction (6/70)
Crucial Breakthrough Moments
Siraj’s six-wicket haul wasn’t just about numbers – it was about timing. His early strikes removed Zak Crawley, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes when England looked dangerous at 77/3. These weren’t tail-end wickets; these were the pillars of England’s batting order.
But the real magic happened when England threatened to run away with the game. At 387/5, with Harry Brook and Jamie Smith looking unstoppable, Siraj found that extra gear. Four crucial wickets in quick succession transformed a potentially game-changing partnership into a collapse.
Beyond the Figures
What made this performance special wasn’t just the six wickets – it was the character shown under pressure. Critics had questioned Siraj’s inclusion after modest figures in the first Test, but he responded in the most emphatic way possible.
Key Impact Areas:
- Early breakthrough wickets disrupting England’s momentum
- Tail cleanup that India struggled with at Headingley
- Leadership in bowling when the team needed it most
- Pressure handling on cricket’s biggest stage
The Bumrah Effect in Reverse
Siraj’s relationship with Bumrah is well-documented – from his famous “I only believe in Jassi bhai” quote to his role as Bumrah’s loyal lieutenant. But this performance proved he’s capable of leading India’s attack when called upon.
His success at Edgbaston showcased the depth of India’s bowling unit and their ability to find match-winners throughout the ranks. It also vindicated the team management’s decision to rest Bumrah for workload management.
The Edgbaston Breakthrough
Taking six wickets at Edgbaston – a venue where India had never won in eight previous attempts – makes this performance even more significant. Siraj’s spell could be the foundation for India’s first-ever Test victory at this historic ground.
With India’s Test series revival hanging in the balance after the Headingley defeat, performances like this remind us why cricket is called the great leveler. When the pressure was highest, Siraj delivered his career-defining moment.
What This Means:
- India take commanding 180-run first innings lead
- Siraj silences critics with career-best figures
- Proves India’s bowling depth beyond Bumrah
- Sets up potential first Edgbaston victory
Maybe now, as the article suggests, Prasidh Krishna needs to say, “I only believe in Miyan!” Because on this magical day at Edgbaston, Mohammed Siraj proved he’s ready to carry India’s bowling attack on his shoulders.
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