Mohammed Siraj had a disastrous IPL 2022 with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Still, the dexterous fast bowler is hopeful to get it right in the series-deciding fifth Test against England starting from July 01.
Siraj had an economy rate of 10.07 with only nine wickets from 15 games in the recently concluded IPL season, but what was even more alarming was getting hit for a shocking 31 sixes, the most for any bowler in the tournament's history.
“This season the IPL was a bit down. The last two seasons my graph was up and this time it has come down. But then I see what I have done in the past two years and take that along," he told PTI during the trailer release of the web series 'Bandon Mein Tha Dum,' which will be streamed on 'Voot Select' and is centered in India's conquest in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar series in Australia.
“This year was a bad phase for me but will make a strong comeback by working hard. I will work on my ability, believe in my strengths," he added.
The 28-year-old, who has 36 wickets in 12 Tests for India, expressed optimism about making a comeback in English conditions with the Dukes ball.
“My preparations are going well for the Test. There in England, the Dukes ball is used, it is always good to bowl there in the English conditions and it is helpful for the bowlers," he stated.
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The fifth match, which had to be rescheduled due to the COVID outbreak in the Indian camp last year, will be "very important" as far as the World Test Championship (WTC) is concerned, according to the Hyderabad-based cricketer.
“This Test is very important for us and we are leading 2-1. It is good that the Test has been rescheduled and we are confident (of doing well) as we have the lead, it is a good feeling," he added.
He further remarked that hitting one spot consistently with the ball is crucial to create pressure.
“The important thing in a Test match is your line and length and how consistently you can bowl at one spot. That is what I have learned, the same thing I have learned in Australia and my aim is to perform consistently for the team and bowl in one area and create pressure," he explained.
“Even if I don’t get wickets, my aim is how I can put the opposition in pressure,” he added further.
In the longest format of the game, the star bowler has only one 5-wicket haul, that came against Australia in the fourth Test at Brisbane. The seamer reflected on his memories of the trip, saying that it was an emotional tour for him because he had recently lost his father.
“My biggest memory is to clinch a five-wicket haul at the Gabba (in Brisbane). I was emotional and had to face a lot after my father passed away.
“The quarantine, it was a tough situation for me but it was my father’s dream that I performed for my country and that was my biggest motivation," he signed off.
(PTI INPUTS)
