Mohammed Siraj removed Root and Ben Stokes (Source:@OneCricketApp/X.com)
Mohammed Siraj is leading India's pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah at Edgbaston. His form was not that great leading into this Test, but the man has stepped up in this game with three massive wickets.
On Day 2, he got the wicket of Zak Crawley, and now at the start of the third day, he has got big wickets of Joe Root and Ben Stokes. In just the third ball of his first over of the day, Mohammed Siraj removed well-set Joe Root. He was batting well, but unluckily managed to get a bat on a harmless ball that was going down the leg side. Pant did the rest by taking a brilliant diving catch.
Outwalked England captain Ben Stokes with a hope of taking England out of trouble. However, Mohammed Siraj came with a vicious short delivery on the very first ball. Stokes tried to defend it away, but the ball came at an awkward height and angle and kissed his bat on its way to the keeper.
Siraj's Early Burst On Day 3 Puts India In Pole Position At Edgbaston
Thus, Siraj, in a matter of two deliveries, removed the two most experienced England batters. Ben Stokes grabbed first golden duck of his Test career, and England have been reduced to 84-5 in reply to India's massive score of 587.
Also, Mohammed Siraj getting back to his wicket-taking form is good news for India. He is the most experienced pacer in the XI, and on a pitch that is not assisting pacers a lot, his skills would be crucial.
On the other end, Akash Deep is also bowling well and picked up two wickets early in England's innings to put pressure on the home team. Therefore, India currently are in the driver's seat and would be looking to capitalise and bowl out England as early as possible.