Former Australia cricketer Tom Moody has heaped praise on India’s Mohammed Siraj for his Test debut show in the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) last week, calling the 26-year-old pacer a “great find” for the tourists on India's tour Down Under.
Siraj has been hailed by many for his impressive Test debut at the MCG – where he scalped five wickets to help Team India win the Boxing Day Test by 8-wickets to level the ongoing series 1-1 for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with the third Test scheduled on January 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
He showed great courage by deciding to stay in Australia and perform his national duties after losing his father ahead of the ongoing four-Test series. However, the Siraj was not picked for the defeated first Day-Night Test but made the most of the opportunity in the second Test at the MCG.
Following his brilliant outing in his maiden Test in Australia, Moody, who was recently appointed Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Director of Cricketer, has showered rich praise on Siraj, saying the pacer was knowing exactly what he was doing with the ball while calling him “every bit” of a Test cricketer.
Moody told ESPNCricinfo: “Mohammed Siraj, I think was really impressive. We’re talking another wonderful Indian cricket story. This is a young guy that’s come from a very humble upbringing, got his IPL chance at Sunrisers before going to Royal Challengers Bangalore. Now he’s playing Test cricket.”
He further added, “To me, he looked every bit at home as a Test cricketer. Whether he had the bowl in his hand or was at the top of his mark, or even when he was in the field. He tried to save every single run which is what you want from a captain’s and a coach’s perspective, which is so important.
He chased it down with everything he possibly had, threw himself around in the field with a youthful experience, but my gosh when he threw the ball, he knew exactly what he was doing, he knew his role, he bowled the right length, he challenged the batsman’s front pad constantly.”
Moody signed off by saying, “He’s quick enough to disturb top-order players. India has found a keeper there and he’s someone who will thrive overseas as well because of the way he presents the seam. He can swing the ball and get movement off the pitch. He’s a great find for India.”
