Siraj's 6-wicket haul fills Bumrah void, puts India in command

Mohammed Siraj rose to the occasion in Jasprit Bumrah's absence, claiming a superb six-wicket haul to put India in command of the second Test at Edgbaston.

England, who threatened to take control through a record 303-run stand between Harry Brook and Jamie Smith, were bowled out for 407, handing India a significant first-innings lead of 180 runs.

Siraj, who had dismissed Zak Crawley late on Day 2, struck a decisive blow early on Saturday morning, removing Joe Root and Ben Stokes off consecutive deliveries in his first over of the day. Though Brook and Smith counter-attacked in style-scoring 158 and 184* respectively-Siraj remained disciplined and relentless with his lengths, keeping the pressure on even as runs flowed.

The second new ball changed the game. Akash Deep dismissed Brook with a sharp delivery that nipped back and hit the stumps, breaking the partnership. Siraj then ran through the lower order, removing Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir in quick succession. He finished with figures of 6 for 70, his best in a Test in England. After reaching his five-for, he raised the ball to the crowd and was embraced warmly by captain Shubman Gill.