“Got to know about father’s condition when I landed in Australia”, Siraj opens up on ‘tough’ series down under

Mohammed Siraj played a key role in India's 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph.

India pacer Mohammed Siraj made his Test debut against Australia at MCG in December 2022, just days after receiving the news of his father Mohammed Ghaus' demise. He came to know about the news after landing in Australia and decided to stay back. The four-Test series was set to begin on December 17, 2020, and the quarantine issue was a major concern owing to Covid-19.

On debut, he took five wickets while conceding just 77 runs. He finished the Test series as the third-highest wicket-taker from either side, with 13 wickets in three matches. Pat Cummins (21 wickets in four Tests) and Josh Hazlewood (17 wickets in four) were the only bowlers ahead of him.

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The series was a bittersweet experience for the 28-year-old, who battled Covid-19 protocols and went through a "tough" mental phase. He described how a conversation with his mother had strengthened him.

"It was really tough for me. My dad was ill during the IPL too. But family members hadn't told me that the matter was serious. I got to know about his condition when I landed in Australia. There was Covid-19 protocol as well. We had to quarantine. When we had our practice, I got to know about dad's death. My mother made me strong during that period. She told me, 'Fulfil your dad's dream and make your country proud'. This was my only motivation. I didn't even know if I will get a chance to play. There were senior bowlers in the team," he recalled during the trailer launch of the web series 'Bandon Mein Tha Dum'.

"I finally got an opportunity in the second Test... When I wore my cap in Melbourne, I thought 'dad should've been here'," he further added.

"After Mohammed Shami got injured, I got a chance to play for India. One thing was there in my mind that I had performed well for India A and had scalped 8 wickets against Australia A. So, it gave me the confidence to do well in my first Test series for India." 

The Hyderabad-born cricketer also praised skipper Rohit Sharma, stating that the star batter understands each player's mentality.

"Rohit understands the mental state of a player. Whenever we have a tough time out there on the field, he is the one who comes up with a plan B and motivates the bowlers to do better in the game. It's a great feeling to work under a captain who understands you so well," he said.

The right-arm speedster will be seen in action in India's much-anticipated fifth Test against England, which will decide the series. The match will take place at Edgbaston from July 1 to 5.

(HT INPUTS)