India’s bowling spearhead Mohammed Siraj produced a sensational spell against England in the second Test of the newly-rechristened Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Friday.

Siraj finished with outstanding figures of 6/70 to guide India to a massive 180-run lead over England in the first innings. 

The 31-year-old, who represents the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), etched his name in the history books after he became the fifth Indian fast bowler to claim a six-wicket haul against England in Test cricket.

Siraj joined an illustrious list featuring Ishant Sharma, Amar Singh, Chetan Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have previously achieved the incredible feat of picking up a six-fer against England in cricket’s longest format.

Siraj also recorded the second-best bowling performance by an Indian at Edgbaston in Test cricket since Chetan Sharma’s 6/58 in 1986. 

The Hyderabad-born cricketer also became the first visiting pacer to bag a six-wicket haul at Edgbaston since 1993. Former Australia cricketer Paul Reiffel was the last visiting pacer to accomplish the feat with figures of 6/71 against England.

Overall, Siraj’s bowling figures are now the third-best by a visiting pacer at Edgbaston.

“It's unbelievable because I was waiting for a long time. I have been bowling well but not getting wickets. I have only got four-wicket hauls here, so getting six here is very special," Siraj said after the innings.

After England resumed from their overnight score of 77/3, Siraj ran riot in the second over on Day 3 as he dismissed Joe Root (22) and captain Ben Stokes (0) in consecutive deliveries to reduce the hosts to 84/5.

However, Harry Brook (158) and wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith forged a magnificent 303-run stand for the sixth wicket, which brought England back into the game.

While India pacer Akash Deep finally broke the partnership, Siraj removed Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir to wrap up England’s innings at 407 in reply to India’s mammoth 587.

At stumps on Day 3, India extended their lead to 244 runs as they were 64/1 in 13 overs. Despite losing Yashasvi Jaiswal for 28, KL Rahul (28 not out) and Karun Nair (7 not out) were at the crease.

Meanwhile, Siraj recorded his second-best bowling figures in an innings in Test cricket. The Indian fast bowler previously claimed 6/15 against South Africa in Cape Town in January 2024, which remains his best bowling figures in Tests.

Since his Test debut against Australia in December 2020, Siraj has already picked up 108 Test wickets in 38 matches at an average of 30.71, including four five-wicket hauls to his name.