Wanted to Bowl Out Atkinson as 1 Six Could’ve Taken Game Away: Siraj
The fifth Test match between England and India at the Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham was a thrilling contest that went down to the wire. In the end, India emerged victorious by 5 wickets, thanks in large part to the impressive performance of their fast bowler, Mohammed Siraj. Speaking about the match, Siraj revealed that he had a specific plan in place to get rid of England wicket-keeper Gus Atkinson, and it was a plan that almost came to fruition.
In an interview with Sportskeeda, Siraj explained that he wanted to get Atkinson bowled out because he knew that a single six could have taken the game away from India. With only six runs left, Siraj knew that he had to be precise and calculated in his approach. He revealed, “There were only six runs left and one sixer could’ve taken the match away from us, so I wanted to get Atkinson bowled out.”
Siraj’s plan was to bowl a ball that would behave in a specific way, and thankfully for him, his wishes were granted. He said, “The way I played the ball in my mind and wanted it to be, was exactly the way it behaved.” It’s clear that Siraj’s preparation and focus paid off, as he was able to execute his plan to perfection.
Atkinson’s dismissal proved to be a turning point in the match, as it brought England’s tailenders to the crease and made it much harder for them to chase down the target. India’s spinners, R Ashwin and Axar Patel, were able to capitalize on the pressure and picked up wickets at regular intervals, eventually wrapping up the match with a 5-wicket win.
Siraj’s performance in the match was impressive, as he picked up 4 wickets in the second innings to help India bowl out England for 245. His spell was a crucial factor in India’s victory, and his ability to adapt to different conditions and situations was on full display.
The win was a significant one for India, as it marked their first Test series victory in England since 2007. The team’s performance was a testament to their hard work and dedication, and Siraj’s individual contribution was a key factor in their success.
In conclusion, Mohammed Siraj’s plan to bowl out Gus Atkinson may have seemed like a simple one, but it proved to be a crucial factor in India’s victory. Siraj’s ability to adapt to different situations and execute his plans to perfection is a key strength of his, and it’s clear that he is a valuable asset to the Indian team.
