We were aware of England batters' weak points: Siraj

Indian seamer Mohammed Siraj said his team wasn't perturbed when in-form Jonny Bairstow was going all guns blazing on day three of the Edgbaston Test. The middle-order batter, who dominated New Zealand in his last series, slammed 106 off 140 but England still ended up conceding a lead of 132 in the first innings. Bairstow was the only England batter to cross the 40-run mark. 

Siraj got the key wicket of Joe Root on day two and then cleaned up the tail on Sunday (July 3) to finish with figures of 4/66. In the second innings, India were 125/3, leading by 257, when the stumps were drawn on day three.  

"As bowlers, we had to just keep patience. Bairstow is in form and he has been continuously playing attacking batting since the New Zealand series. So we were aware his confidence was high. Our simple plan was to stick to our basics and, no matter what he did against us, it was a matter of one ball - be it an inswinger or seaming in off the pitch," said Siraj.

Against New Zealand, Bairstow smoked 394 runs in three Tests at a stunning strike rate of 120.12. However, he struggled against India at the start of his innings. The right-hander was 13 off 61 deliveries at one stage before smashing 93 off the next 79 balls he faced. 

Siraj said the reason why Bairstow and Co. couldn't dominate like they did against New Zealand was because Indian bowlers have that extra pace which Tim Southee and Co. didn't. It was just not about pace, Indian seamers also did their homework before the Test.

"When we saw the New Zealand series, we realised that our every bowler is 140-plus and they (New Zealand bowlers) didn't have that. We had that ability and also we also had played against England last year. So that was our plus point, as we were aware of their weak points and that is why we got the success.

"In the first innings, the pitch was helpful to begin with, but after that it became flatter subsequently. So our only plan was to hit consistently in one area. Also, the more effort balls we could deliver, then it would be effective for the bowlers. If we took it easy, then we would end up leaking runs."

In the New Zealand series, England chased 270+ targets in all three matches but Siraj is confident that the surface will help Indian bowlers in the final innings. "The ball is now keeping low, so in the second innings it will definitely help us."