India vs England 3rd Test: Mohammed Siraj Praised For 'In Batter's Face' Aggression

Mohammed Siraj steamed in as always and picked up a couple of wickets early on the fourth day in the third Test between India and England going on at the Lord's in London. Siraj sent back England opener Ben Duckett and then picked up the wicket of Ollie Pope to give a big double blow to the hosts after both sides were tied at the end of first innings.

Former India great Anil Kumble praised Siraj for the effort that the pacer put every time he came up to bowl.

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“What Siraj does so well is put in the effort with every single ball. On a surface like this, you need to hit the deck hard and in the right areas — and he’s done that consistently. In the last Test, without Bumrah, he stepped up with a five-wicket haul, and Akash Deep supported with a ten-wicket match haul. This time, Siraj knew he needed to complement Bumrah, and he’s delivered. Even yesterday, in one over while Bumrah was bowling, it was Siraj who was the most fired up," said Kumble, who is regarded among the greatest bowlers in Test cricket history.

Siraj did not just take wickets but was also pumped up and gave Duckett a send off that could potentially put him in some trouble with match referee. Kumble praised the pacer's aggression and said it brings out the best of him.

"He’s that kind of character — always in the batter’s face — and that seems to bring out the best in him. The only concern is making sure it doesn’t go overboard and affect his bowling. But so far, he’s been excellent — consistently hitting the right areas.”

India vs England 3rd Test Day 4

At the end of the first session on Day 4, England had reached 98 for the loss of four wickets. Mohammed Siraj had taken two wickets early in the day and then Nitish Kumar Reddy alongside Akash Deep struck to put England in a tricky situation. Late on the third day, India got bowled out on 387 to draw level with England's first innings score