Mohammed Siraj: Mohammed Siraj has credited strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai for his second five-wicket haul in the second Test against West Indies. On a flat surface in Port of Spain, the right-arm fast bowler was relentless with his line and lengths and enabled India to bundle out West Indies for just 255. Siraj got the ball to swing and was rewarded for his persistence. The 29-year-old bowled 24 overs, and whenever skipper Rohit Sharma wanted breakthroughs, he turned to his most experienced pacer.
“It is not easy to take five wickets on a flat track. Credit goes to Soham (Desai) bhai, who has worked tirelessely on my fitness. I have been playing matches continuously, and he makes sure that I stay fit,” Siraj said.
“It was hit and humid, and because of the rain, we were going on and off the field, it is difficult for a fast bowler to keep yourself charge. It is not easy to bowl long spells in such condition also,” he added.
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Mohammed Siraj: Siraj steps up in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, India on the cusp of a series whitewash
With Jasprit Bumrah out with injury and Mohammed Shami rested for the Test series, Siraj playing his 21st Test, had to lead the inexperienced pace attack. So far, the RCB pacer has not disappointed as he led superbly and given India a chance of winning the second Test. On being quizzed about leading the pace attack, Siraj says he relishes new challenges and loves it.
“I relish responsibilities. To step in on the field with a responsibility on my shoulders gives me extra motivation, and it is challenging as well and I like to accept challenges,” he said.
The 29-year-old feels day five of IND vs WI Test will belong to Ashwin and Jadeja as the ball has started to turn. Ashwin has already picked up two wickets on day four.
“The way the wicket is turning, I think Ash (Ashwin) bhai is going to clean it up,” he said.
India need eight wickets to win the second Test go 2-0 up in the series.
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