India pacer Mohammed Siraj bagged his maiden five-wicket haul in red-ball cricket during the penultimate day of the fourth Test against Australia at the Gabba, but the tour Down Under hasn't been an easy one for the Hyderabad lad.

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

Siraj, who was racially abused during the third Test at SCG, lost his father before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy started. He had the option to return home to attend the last rites but he stayed with the team to fulfill his father's dream to represent India in Tests.

Recalling his late father’s contribution in making Siraj a top-level cricketer, the fast bowler’s elder brother Ismail on Monday (January 18) revealed that the former used to skip exams to play matches and his dad always encouraged him instead of erupting in anger.

"Siraj used to skip exams to play cricket. We never knew about it. When results would come, there used to be absent marked against his name. Then only we would find out that he had skipped exams and gone to play cricket. In fact, every time exams used to happen, he would skip them and go to play cricket - even at the intermediate level. He used to focus more on cricket than studies. That was his priority," Mohammed Ismail quoted as saying by IANS.

"But our father backed him a lot. He just wanted to see his son play Test cricket. He never considered ODIs or T20s as important as Test cricket. He used to say that actual cricket is Test cricket. What good is T20 cricket where a batsman can hit your good ball for a six? T20s and ODIs are batsman's game. Test is different from these. Test cricket is the test of potential. Dad never used to play cricket but would take a lot of interest in the game," he added.

"The dream my father had was to see him play Tests. We are grateful that the dream has come true. It is a moment of joy but we wish dad was alive to see his son's success," he continued.

Thanks to Siraj’s herculean effort with the ball, India bowled out Australia for 294 in the second innings of Brisbane Test, which means the visitors have to chase 328 in the fourth innings to clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Speaking after the fourth day’s play in Brisbane, Siraj admitted that last few months have been very tough for him but a phone call from his mother made him mentally strong and inspired him to fulfill his father’s wish.

"I am thankful that I was able to pick five wickets as it was a very tough situation for me after my dad passed away. But after talking to my mom at home, I gained some confidence. The call with my mom made me mentally strong. My focus was to fulfill my dad's wish," Siraj said during a virtual press conference on Monday.

Ismail too credited their mother. "He has been away since August. Mummy handled it well. She is very strong. It is because of her that Siraj can focus on his game. He calls regularly and speaks to her. She would talk to him on the phone and encourage him to play," he said.

(With IANS inputs)