Edgbaston, Birmingham:
As Day 3 of the second Test between India and England gets underway at Edgbaston, the attention shifts from India’s dominant batting display to their bowling attack. With England struggling at 108/5 in reply to India’s mammoth 587, the onus now lies on fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep to deliver decisive blows. But the big question is who will emerge as India’s top performer with the ball today?
Akash Deep: Gaining Momentum in His Second Test
The 27-year-old made his Test debut against England earlier in 2024 and has already shown he belongs at this level. On Day 2 at Edgbaston, he proved his value once again, rattling England with a sharp burst in his opening spell.
After conceding 12 runs in his first over, Akash Deep came back strongly to remove Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope in the same over both for ducks. That double-wicket maiden changed the tone of England’s innings and gave India early momentum.
His final figures at stumps read:
7 overs, 2 wickets, 36 runs
His ability to hit the seam hard and extract bounce made him particularly threatening under overcast conditions and with similar weather expected this morning, Akash Deep could be India’s go-to man again.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: What Will Be The Game Plan For Both The Teams As They Come Into Day 3?
Mohammed Siraj: Steady and Reliable
Mohammed Siraj, leading India’s pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah (rested for this match), looked in control throughout his spell on Day 2. He bowled with discipline and was rewarded with the crucial wicket of Zak Crawley, who had looked set on 20.
Siraj’s figures at the end of Day 2:
7 overs, 1 wicket, 21 runs, 2 maidens
Siraj has grown into a dependable strike bowler in overseas conditions, and with his ability to generate late movement and bowl long, economical spells, India will rely on him today to maintain pressure through the middle overs especially if England’s Joe Root and Harry Brook settle in.
Who Has the Edge on Day 3?
| Bowler | Strengths | Day 3 Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Akash Deep | Aggressive, sharp seam movement | Likely to strike early if conditions remain cloudy |
| Mohammed Siraj | Control, consistency, experience | Key for sustained pressure and partnerships |
The weather remains overcast, with a high chance of swing in the morning session.
The pitch still has life for seamers, especially with the second new ball due later in the day if needed.
England trails by 510 runs, and early wickets could set India up for a dominant win.
Both Siraj and Akash Deep have shown form and intent, but Akash Deep’s early breakthroughs on Day 2 have put him slightly ahead going into Day 3. If the ball continues to swing and seam in the first session, he could pick up where he left off. However, Siraj’s control and experience make him equally critical especially if India needs to chip away in longer spells during the afternoon session.
