'Told Akash I Can Bowl Outside...': India Pacer Turned Down Siraj's Generous Offer

'Told Akash I Can Bowl Outside...': India Pacer Turned Down Siraj's Generous Offer

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Last Updated: July 05, 2025, 13:24 IST

Mohammed Siraj took a six-wicket haul to help India take 180-run lead in first innings.

Mohammed Siraj (right) praised Akash Deep's work rate. (Screengrab/BCCI)

Having completed his five-wicket haul, Mohammed Siraj offered fellow pacer Akash Deep a chance to clinch a five-for as well by not attacking the stumps during the third day of the 2nd Test with England losing their 9 wickets while replying to India’s first innings total of 587-all out.

Akash had taken four wickets and rocked England early on by removing the in-form top-order pair of Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope cheaply. Despite the home team’s tail exposed, Akash turned down the generous offer from his senior pacer.

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“I told Akash that my four deliveries are left, I can bowl them outside off. He said no bhaiya, take the wicket. No issues. If it’s in my fate, I will get it (five-wicket haul)," Siraj said in a video shared by bcci.tv.

Siraj finished with 6/70 while Akash took 4/88 as England’s innings ended on 407, giving India a healthy 180-run lead.

“I’ve never thought it (five-for being special feat) that way. The way we came back with the second new ball, it was special for us and I’m happy with that," Akash said.

Siraj said if both of them had taken a five-for, he would have given the ball to his younger teammate.

“If both of us had taken a five-for, I would have given this ball to Akash Deep because first five-wicket haul is one for the memories. My first fifer was in Australia and it was memorable," he said.

Siraj praised Akash’s work rate.

“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," he said.

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“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," he added.

Akash returned the favour. “In the first spell, I took two wickets but Siraj played an important role by maintaining pressure from his end. That helped me try (attacking)," he said.

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First Published: July 05, 2025, 13:24 IST

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