Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep (Source: AP Photos)
India are going into the final day of the Edgbaston Test with a series-levelling win in sight. India need seven wickets to win the game while England have almost an impossible task of scoring 536 runs on the final day.
On the batting front, Shubman Gill has led the way for India, while in the bowling department, Siraj and Akash Deep have delivered. In the second innings, Akash Deep has bagged two while Siraj got the opening breakthrough.
In the first innings too, the duo picked all 10 wickets between them. Siraj bagged six while Akash Deep got four in that innings. The duo hunted in pair, and it was just what India needed in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
Mohammed Siraj Credits Akash Deep's Hunger For Success
After the first innings, the red-hot bowling pair shared more light on their performance. Siraj compared Akash Deep to a horse, signifying the hard work of the Bihar lad. Siraj revealed that Akash Deep was just waiting for his opportunity, and he showed the world how hungry he was for success when he got the chance. The senior bowler from Hyderabad admitted that he enjoyed bowling with his younger partner.
“Akash Deep is like a horse. He was waiting for opportunity and when the opportunity arrived he has shown how hungry he was. To be honest I enjoyed a lot bowling with him,” Siraj told BCCI.TV.
Siraj also stated that he cherishes taking more responsibility, and his goal was to keep control and put the batters under pressure.
“I love when given responsibility. My only goal was not to give runs from my end. I tried to bowl with control as much as possible and keep the batsmen under pressure.”
Akash Deep Opens Up On New-Ball Partnership With Siraj
Akash Deep, on his part, also credited Siraj for his impressive bowling show. He mentioned that Siraj kept the pressure on from one end, and it helped him pick wickets. The right-arm pacer also stated that he doesn't keep records in his mind, and a five-wicket haul will come when it has to.
"With the first new ball I got two wickets but Mian (Siraj) played a big role. He kept the pressure from one end. Very important role (Siraj played), we bowled in partnership with the new ball. Enjoyed a lot. The way we made a comeback with the second new ball was special. Five wickets will come and go but I never have these things in mind."
Thus, both players look determined to do well for the country and have emphasised the need to keep the team ahead of their personal goals. India now needs both of them to keep up the good work on the final day and win the Edgbaston Test to level the series.
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