Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj has had a memorable campaign in the ongoing tour of Australia. He wasn’t Team India’s first-choice pacer for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but an injury to Mohammed Shami earned him a debut against Australia in the Boxing-Day Test in Melbourne.
Shami was ruled out of the last three Tests with a fractured forearm and the 26-year-old Siraj got his chance in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Siraj, however, had an instant impact, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne and then got rid of all-rounder Cameron Green in the first innings.
In the second innings, he forced the dismissals of Travis Head, Green, and Nathan Lyon. His exploits helped India restrict the Aussies to a mere score of 200 and therefore win by eight wickets. Hence, he retained his place in the starting XI for the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
However, during the customary national anthems prior to the match, Siraj got a bit emotional. The Hyderabad-born pacer was seen in tears and was seen wiping his eyes as found it tough to control his emotions. Fellow-pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who was standing beside him, asked him and Siraj replied with a smile.
Here’s the video:
Very touching #siraj during national anthem 3rd Test match. 🙏👍 #TestCricket @imVkohli #INDvsAUSTest pic.twitter.com/6nMgYzYw25
— HP (@heman_12) January 6, 2021
Talking about the match, Siraj provided India an early breakthrough after he dismissed Sydney’s very own, David Warner, who was making his return after missing the first two Tests due to a groin setback.
However, Australia has recovered from their early setback with debutante Will Pucovski and Marnus Labushcagne steadying their ship. The hosts are currently 46/1 after rain interrupted the proceedings on a couple of occasions.