'Knew the yorker would be a good wicket-taking option': Mohammed Siraj after four-fer in third India vs England Test

Mohammed Siraj, who finished with figures of 4/84 on Day three of the third Test against England in Rajkot on Saturday, said that India were anticipating a mistake from the visitors and there were discussions between players about working together as a unit. Siraj wreaked havoc with four wickets, including the dismissal of England’s No 3 Ollie Pope, as Ben Stokes ad Co folded up for 319 after being 207/2 at one stage. Ben Duckett was the main orchestrator of the innings with a knock of 153.

“We had only four bowlers and we had a responsibility. We knew they would attack so we spoke about sticking together knowing that they would make a mistake. We didn’t plan anything much, we were waiting for them to make a mistake,” Siraj told official broadcasters Sports18 after the third day’s play in Rajkot.

As it happened: IND vs ENG 3rd Test Day 3

Siraj produced a couple of spectacular yorkers to dismiss Rehan Ahmed and James Anderson, and admitted that he was aware of how effective yorkers can be as a wicket-taking option. ” I knew the yorker would be a good wicket-taking option. The important role for a bowler is to bowl six dot balls, we know they’re not used to playing out six dots in a row,” said the 29-year-old.

Siraj was rested for the second Test in Visakhapatnam which India won by 106 runs. When asked about what he did during the break, Siraj said: “Enjoyed with my family, then we had training. I did my training and then I even watched the Test match at home, enjoyed watching Bumrah bowling yorkers.”

At stumps on Day three, India were 196/2, having taken a lead of 322 runs.Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a century but retired hurt in the 44th over after injuring his back. Shubman Gill was unbeaten on 65 along with nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav not out on 3. The five-match series is level at 1-1.