Former Australia batsman Mike Hussey thought Indian paceman Mohammed Siraj was "excellent" on Test debut against Australia in Melbourne this Saturday (December 26).
Siraj delivered an impressive spell of 2/40 on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test and played a crucial part in helping India dismiss the hosts for just 195.
WATCH - Ricky Ponting praises Mohammed Siraj after "promising" debut at MCG
Hussey was pleased with the fact that Siraj didn't let the pressure of the occasion get to him and wore a bright smile on his face all day.
“I thought he was excellent. What I liked the most about him is that he had the biggest smile on his face the whole day. He was loving being out there, loving charging in when he got his opportunity to bowl and giving his best efforts. I thought in his first spell, he was very composed," Hussey said on ESPNcricinfo.
"It’s not easy – you’re playing your first Test – a Boxing Day Test, at the MCG… huge occasion, and he looked calm and in control of his emotions. Yeah, maybe he could have bowled a little bit better but his second spell is when he really came into his own," he added.
The stand-out aspect of Siraj's spell was how much in control he looked despite being introduced only with the old-ball. The youngster showed good consistency with his line and lengths, never allowing the game to run away from his end.
"The ball was a little bit older and it was interesting that a few of the Indian bowlers… I feel as though they ball better when the ball does get old. Probably a product of being brought up on those flat Indian pitches," said Hussey.
"Very skilful, you swing the ball late both ways and picked up a couple of crucial wickets for India. You got a feeling that he was going to get a wicket almost every ball."
"The one I enjoyed the most was the Cameron Green wicket. He set him up beautifully. He got a couple of balls to swing away. He almost just dragged his head across the crease and darted that inswinger to get him out LBW. It was a great set up and great execution, and it shows that he has a great head on his shoulders," he added.
