 "Mohammed Siraj picked up a six-wicket haul, while Akash took four wickets in the first innings of 2nd Test. Image: BCCI")
Birmingham: India pacer Mohammed Siraj credited fellow seamer Akash Deep for playing a big role in his six-wicket haul, describing the Bengal speedster as a “horse” who was just waiting for his opportunity.
Siraj (6/70) and Akash Deep (4/88), who replaced a rested Jasprit Bumrah, complemented each other perfectly to bundle out England for 407 in reply to India’s first innings total of 587 in the ongoing second Test here.
“Akash Deep is like a horse. He was waiting for opportunity and when the opportunity arrived he has shown how hungry he was. To be honest I enjoyed a lot bowling with him,” Siraj told BCCI.TV.
“I love when given responsibility. My only goal was not to give runs from my end. I tried to bowl with control as much as possible and keep the batsmen under pressure.” Akash Deep too credited Siraj and said he enjoyed a lot sharing the new ball with him.
“With the first new ball I got two wickets but Mian (Siraj) played a big role. He kept the pressure from one end,” Akash Deep said.
“Very important role (Siraj played), we bowled in partnership with the new ball. Enjoyed a lot. The way we made a comeback with the second new ball was special.” Akash Deep missed out on maiden five-wicket haul but he doesn’t have any regrets.
“Five wickets will come and go but I never have these things in mind,” he said.