Despite a promising start to their innings on the second day of the Rajkot Test, England’s middle order faltered compared to their performance on the previous day.
Following the loss of three wickets in the morning session, Ben Stokes and Ben Foakes fought valiantly but were eventually overcome after lunch, as the Indian team displayed strategic prowess.
Among the standout performers was Mohammad Siraj, who played a pivotal role in dismissing key English batsmen, culminating in a superb delivery that ended James Anderson’s innings.
In the 72nd over, Siraj altered his angle to come around the wicket to the left-handed Anderson, delivering a full-pitched ball that seamed into the off stump’s outer edge.
Siraj Recreated lords magical wicket again in Rajkot 🔥 pic.twitter.com/30cewOvDl3
— ANSH. (@KohliPeak) February 17, 2024
Anderson, unable to cover the line with his bat, defended tentatively, only to see the ball nick the edge of his off stump, securing Siraj’s fourth wicket. Observers on social media noted the irony of Anderson, a seasoned bowler himself, experiencing a similar fate, attributing it to Siraj’s remarkable accuracy.