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STUMP VISION JULY 18, 2025 | The Indian Eye 43

Without Bumrah, But Not Without Fire: India’s

Pace Finds New Heroes in Siraj and Akash Deep

India’s emphatic 336-run win over England at Edgbaston wasn’t just a record-breaking

victory — it was a declaration that India’s fast-bowling arsenal runs deeper than ever

ASIM KHANNA
London (UK)

hen Jasprit Bumrah sat out the second
Test against England at Edgbaston, many
Wwondered whether India’s bowling attack
would have the sting to take 20 wickets. By the end
of five days, that doubt was obliterated. India not
only claimed a dominant 336-run win — their big-
gest Test victory overseas by runs — but did so with
two seamers, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep,
rising to the occasion in resounding fashion.
Siraj, already established as a mainstay in In-
dia’s pace setup, once again proved his class. With
6/70 in the first innings, he set the tone for En-
gland’s collapse and inched closer to the 200-wick-
et milestone in international cricket. The 30-year-
old, who debuted in 2017, has emerged as India’s
red-ball backbone in the absence of Bumrah or
Shami, known for his aggression, seam movement
and relentless spirit.
But it was Akash Deep who stole the head-
lines with a career-defining performance. The
Bengal pacer etched his name in the history books
by claiming a ten-wicket haul — 4/88 in the first
innings and 6/99 in the second — registering the
best-ever match figures by an Indian in England.
His control, pace, and temperament under pres-
sure stood out, as he dismissed big names like Joe Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep in conversation during the 2nd Test match against England, at Edgbaston (@BCCI X/ANI Photo)
Root and Harry Brook, dismantling England’s re-
sistance.
Former England pacer Darren Gough was full
of praise. “Without Bumrah, Siraj and Akash Deep Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep in conversation during the 2nd Test match against England, at Edgbaston (@BCCI X/ANI Photo)
bowled superbly,” he remarked. “It was a complete
performance.” Gough also highlighted the value of Bhuvneshwar, India still fielded a pace attack that aging for India’s Test setup. His ability to hit the
Ravindra Jadeja’s contributions with both bat and could dominate in overseas conditions. It wasn’t deck, extract movement, and bowl long spells gives
ball, but emphasized how India’s seamers did the just about speed — it was about accuracy, plan- the team depth beyond their frontline options. And
heavy lifting. ning, and the ability to bounce back after long it’s not just one match — his composure, accuracy,
The victory was more than just a team effort. It partnerships, like the 303-run stand between Harry and energy show he’s ready for more.
was a statement — that India’s production line of Brook and Jamie Smith in England’s first innings. This performance adds to India’s growing rep-
fast bowlers is thriving. As former captain Sourav Siraj and Akash Deep responded brilliantly af- utation as one of the best fast-bowling nations in
Ganguly aptly noted, “There is immense talent in ter that onslaught, taking the final five wickets for the world — a far cry from the days when the at-
this country. Akash Deep is good. Siraj is good. just 20 runs. Their control with the new ball and tack was overly dependent on spin. The Edgbaston
Shubman is good. Yashasvi is good.” ability to execute reverse swing late in the innings Test showed that India doesn’t just have one or two
India’s win also had historical significance. It was crucial in turning the tide. Siraj, in particular, elite pacers — it has a whole assembly line.
was their first-ever win at Edgbaston, breaking a has grown into a dependable force — his 194 inter- The depth, discipline, and diversity of the
streak of seven losses and a draw at the venue. national wickets across formats is a testament to Indian pace attack are now a defining feature of
But more than the venue, it was the manner of the his consistency. its cricketing identity. With names like Arshdeep
win that caught the world’s attention. England, As India moves to Lord’s for the third Test, Singh, Mukesh Kumar, and Umran Malik waiting
set an improbable target of 608, was skittled out Siraj is just six wickets away from the 200-mark. in the wings, India’s seam future looks both secure
for 271, with Akash Deep and Siraj sharing the His partnership with Akash Deep could be the be- and spectacular.
bulk of the wickets. ginning of a new era in Indian pace bowling — one For now, Edgbaston belongs to Akash Deep
What makes this rise of Indian pace even more where roles are shared, and stars rise not just in and Mohammed Siraj. And the message is clear:
impressive is the resilience and rotation within the headlines but in hard spells under pressure. India may rest its stars, but it never rests its stan-
squad. Without Bumrah, without Shami, without Akash Deep’s emergence is especially encour- dards.

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