AUS v IND 2020-21: ‘I would like to thank Rahane who showed trust in me’, Siraj after his maiden Test 5-fer

Siraj bagged his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket at the Gabba.

Mohammed Siraj celebrates his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket | GettyIndia pacer Mohammed Siraj, playing only his third Test, led an inexperienced bowling attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah at the Gabba and returned with the figures of 5 for 73 in Australia’s second innings on Monday (January 18).

WATCH - Jasprit Bumrah hugs Mohammed Siraj after his maiden Test fifer

Siraj, who dismissed Marnus Labuschagne (25), Steven Smith (55), Matthew Wade (0), Mitchell Starc (1) and Josh Hazlewood (9) to claim his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket, highlighted the experience of domestic cricket for his brilliant showing.

"No, not like a senior bowler but the games I played for India and the domestic cricket experience helped me gain some confidence for the matches," Siraj told the media during the virtual press conference at the end of the fourth day's action in Brisbane.

The Hyderabad lad also admitted that he missed bowling in tandem with Bumrah, who is not featuring in the fourth Test due to abdominal strain.

"I missed Jassi bhai (Jasprit Bumrah) and in his absence, I had to step up on the occasion. My aim was to build pressure on Australia batsmen," he added.

Thanks to his stunning effort, India bowled out Australia for 294 in the second innings, which means the visitors have to chase 328 in the fourth innings to clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Siraj also credited stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane for being the guiding light.

"If I get a chance, I will bat for India but the goal is to win to the series. After so many injuries but still we had fought back especially in the first innings. It is a proud moment to see how youngsters Shardul, Washington, and Natarajan are performing," said Siraj.

"They all are grabbing the opportunities and I would like to thank Rahane who showed trust in me and the youngsters. He was constantly talking to me and he gave me confidence," he further remarked.

Rain forced early stumps on Day 4 at the Gabba. India finished the day on 4/0 with Rohit Sharma (4) and Shubman Gill (0) unbeaten at the crease.

(With ANI inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 18 Jan, 2021

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