Wed. Jul 30th, 2025

No Bumrah, No Problem: Siraj Shines with Six-Fer at Edgbaston

When India walked onto the field at Edgbaston without their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, there were understandable concerns about how their bowling attack would cope. But Mohammed Siraj, ever the fighter, stepped up and delivered a career-defining performance. With six wickets to his name, Siraj silenced all doubts, proving once again why he remains one of India’s most reliable fast bowlers in testing conditions.

This six-wicket haul wasn’t just about numbers; it was about grit, adaptation, and seizing the moment when the team needed him the most. For a bowler who has often played in the shadows of Bumrah and Shami, Edgbaston offered Siraj his time in the spotlight.

Siraj Thrives on Responsibility

Interestingly, Siraj’s numbers when playing without Bumrah or Shami reveal a remarkable trend. In the 12 Tests he has played without either of the two senior quicks, Siraj averages a phenomenal 22.27. This contrasts with his higher average when sharing the field with them.

Asked about this unusual stat in a post-match interview, Siraj smiled and spoke of how he enjoys the responsibility. Cricket, however, rarely provides simple explanations. Perhaps when Siraj is the lead bowler, he is handed the new ball and trusted to attack rather than contain, freeing him to play his natural game.

Bowling Smart, Not Just Fast

What stood out most in Siraj’s performance at Edgbaston wasn’t a drastic change in speed or aggression but subtle tactical shifts. On a slower, lower pitch compared to Headingley, Siraj smartly adjusted his line. He bowled straighter, forcing the batters to play, increasing the chances of hitting the stumps or drawing false shots.

In Leeds, Siraj bowled almost 48% of his deliveries in the channel outside off-stump. At Edgbaston, this dropped to about 43%, with more balls targeting the stumps. This adjustment played a critical role in his success, showing his growing maturity as a bowler who can read conditions and adapt quickly.

Finally Breaking the Four-Wicket Barrier

For a year, a five-wicket haul had eluded Siraj. He had consistently bowled well but often found himself stuck at four wickets, missing that final breakthrough. At Edgbaston, the breakthrough finally came.

Speaking to Jio Hotstar, Siraj confessed how special the moment was, especially because he had never taken a five-for in England. The relief and joy were visible on his face, underlining how much the moment meant to him both professionally and personally.

Control and Precision Win the Day

The data from the match reveals how precise Siraj was in his approach. He bowled fewer overs than some of the other fast bowlers but still attacked the stumps most frequently. His deliveries projected to hit the stumps were a standout feature, leading to three of his six dismissals.

Furthermore, Siraj induced 26 false shots and converted them into six wickets—a significant contrast to his performance at Headingley, where a similar level of false shots yielded far fewer rewards. Sometimes in cricket, the difference between success and frustration is as thin as a mistimed edge

A Story of Persistence

What makes Siraj’s journey inspiring is his unwavering spirit. Despite enduring barren stretches without wickets, he has never wavered in his energy and intent. The sport can be cruel to fast bowlers; the same effort that fetches rewards one day might go unnoticed the next. But Siraj has learned to trust the process and keep charging in, believing that the results will eventually follow.

It’s a mindset that has defined his career and one that was richly rewarded at Edgbaston.

The Road Ahead: Second Innings Challenge Awaits

While Siraj’s six-fer has given India a crucial advantage, the job isn’t done yet. The second innings at Edgbaston will present a new challenge. Conditions may change, batters will be wary, and the pitch could behave differently.

But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Mohammed Siraj, it’s that he won’t hold back. Whether the wickets come or not, the effort and heart will remain the same.

Take Away

Mohammed Siraj’s six-wicket haul at Edgbaston was a celebration of resilience, tactical intelligence, and raw pace. In the absence of Bumrah, Siraj didn’t try to be someone he’s not—he simply trusted his strengths and delivered when his team needed him most.

Cricket’s beauty lies in its unpredictability, and Siraj’s performance was a reminder of how the sport can surprise and inspire in equal measure. With the series finely poised, Siraj’s form will be key in the coming days. Regardless of the outcome, his Edgbaston masterclass will be remembered as a defining moment in his career.

FAQs

Q1: How many wickets did Mohammed Siraj take in the Edgbaston Test?

A1: Mohammed Siraj took six wickets in the first innings, marking one of his best performances in Test cricket.

Q2: How does Siraj perform without Bumrah and Shami in the playing XI?

A2: Siraj averages 22.27 in Tests played without Bumrah and Shami, showcasing his ability to lead the attack effectively in their absence.

Q3: What tactical change did Siraj make at Edgbaston?

A3: On a slower Edgbaston pitch, Siraj bowled a straighter line compared to Headingley, increasing his chances of hitting the stumps and forcing false shots.