India’s pace chief Jasprit Bumrah on Monday said Mohammed Siraj bowled with niggles and praised him for battling through pain during the ongoing third Test against Australia in Brisbane. Siraj took two wickets in his 23.2 overs in the first innings and Bumrah, who was again the top bowler with figures of six for 76, thanked his colleague for supporting the team despite the discomfort.
“We (Siraj and I) had conversations, but that was a conversation he had with me before we came here (Brisbane). When we came here to Perth and also for the last game, he looked in a very good mood,” Bumrah told reporters after the third day.
“He bowled well and took quite a few wickets. In this game I have to give him credit that he was a little nagging, but he still kept bowling and still helped the team because he knew if he came into the middle and didn’t bowl, that team would be under pressure .
“So I think he has a great attitude and fighting spirit that the team likes,” he said.
Siraj looked uncomfortable as he clutched his hamstring after bowling the second ball of the 37th over of Australia’s first innings. The physiotherapist was called onto the field and Siraj left the field as Akash Deep completed the over.
However, the 30-year-old returned to the field on the second day and ended up taking the wickets of Australia captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon.
“Personally, I also like that he is ready to fight and always gives his all for the team. So I think that is the biggest positive for any cricketer going forward.”
“He does everything he can on the field. And even when he is not 100% fit, when he has problems, he still fights for the team. So it’s a great approach.”
“Keep running, keep smiling”
Siraj took five and four wickets in the first two Tests in Perth and Adelaide, but he was also criticized for a lack of control over his lines and lengths, especially during the third Test, which allowed the Australian batters to get away early in the game. innings on the second day.
However, Bumrah advised Siraj to focus only on what can be controlled.
“Yeah, as far as wickets and everything else, some days you’ll play well, the wickets will come, like I talked to him before. And some days you won’t play very well, but the wickets will come. So it’s all money in the bank. ” said Bumrah.
“This is the conversation I had with him. That you keep focusing on your things, the things you can control. “You wanted to play Test cricket, you do it. Your family is really proud of you. You are doing something that few people have done before. So I think it’s in a very good place.
“I don’t know what else is going on. But he has a great attitude and that’s a big plus for us.” On a rainy third day, India scored 51/4 in response to Australia’s massive first innings total of 445.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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