He is always there to do the job: Mohammed Siraj heaps praise on Chesteshwar Pujara

India are currently the favourites to win in the fifth and final rescheduled Test against England, having extended their lead to 257 runs on Day 3. Cheteshwar Pujara made a comeback by scoring a crucial and commendable half-century, including robust support of an unbeaten 30 by Rishabh Pant. India gained the upper hand after bundling out England for 284 in the first innings, taking a lead of 132. 

Mohammed Siraj was one of the team's pivotal bowlers and has scalped four wickets. Speaking to reporters after the conclusion of play on Day 3, Siraj discussed his mindset and the pitch conditions and even referred to Pujara as a "warrior."

"He (Pujara) is a warrior. In Australia, he did it and here also, he is doing the job. Whenever the team requires it, he always stands up. When a tough situation arises, he is always there to do the job. Exactly, bowling to him is difficult; he does not attack much and just keeps on leaving balls so that can get irritating in the nets," said Siraj during a press conference.

Siraj also appreciated the supportive nature of the stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, who took three wickets in the first innings. He stated, "As a player and captain, he has been the same. He is always supportive and is always there to help me out. Whenever I do wrong, he tries to make me understand what to bowl in certain situations."

Jonny Bairstow was the sole warrior for England in the first innings, with a knock of 106 off 140 balls with the help of 14 fours and two sixes. Mohammed Siraj was the one who scalped the in-form English batter's wicket. 

"As bowlers, we had to just keep patience. Bairstow is in form and has been continuously playing attacking batting since the New Zealand series. So, we were aware his confidence was high. Our simple plan was to stick to our basics, and no matter what he did for us, it was a matter of one ball, be it an inswinger or seaming in off the pitch," said Siraj.

He added, "When we saw the New Zealand series, we realised that our every bowler is 140-plus, and they (New Zealand bowlers) didn't have that. We had that ability and also, we also had played against England last year. So that was our plus point, as we're aware of their weak points, and that is why we got the success." 

When asked about the Edgbaston pitch, the pacer claimed that the pitch has become flatter after the first innings, which could favour the batters.

He said, "In the first innings, the pitch was helpful, to begin with, but after that it became flatter. So our only plan was to bowl in one area consistently. Also, the more effort balls we could deliver, it would be effective for the bowlers. If we took it easy, then we would end up leaking runs. The ball is now keeping low. So, in the second innings, it will definitely help us."