India’s newest bowling sensation, Mohammed Siraj, is being hailed by experts and cricketers for his ‘heartwarming’ development as a bowler in a considerably short duration as the bowler from Hyderabad claimed his first five-wicket haul in Brisbane. His stunning bowling performance meant that Australia were bowled out for 294 in their second innings as the fourth day’s play was interrupted due to rains.
Siraj claimed five wickets by conceding just 73 runs in 19.3 overs. His victims included Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
A standing ovation as Mohammed Siraj picks up his maiden 5-wicket haul.#AUSvIND #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/e0IaVJ3uA8
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 18, 2021
Reacting to his performance, Former India batsman VVS Laxman tweeted, “Very proud of you, Siraj! Not easy to stay on in Australia after losing your father but I am sure your commitment and passion for the game would make him very proud. Congrats on your maiden 5-wkt haul. Many more to come. Keep it up.”
Very proud of you, Siraj! Not easy to stay on in Australia after losing your father but I am sure your commitment and passion for the game would make him very proud. Congrats on your maiden 5-wkt haul. Many more to come. Keep it up. #AusvInd pic.twitter.com/9DIuhU91Zj
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 18, 2021
India’s batting legend Sachin Tendulkar tweeted, “Well done Mohd. Siraj on your 1st fifer and @imShard on your important all round performance which has kept the Test rather interesting so far and more importantly, the Test series alive.”
Well done Mohd. Siraj on your 1st fifer and @imShard on your important all round performance which has kept the Test rather interesting so far and more importantly, the Test series alive. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/tXmLP2c9FN
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 18, 2021
Former India Test opener Akash Chopra tweeted, “Lost his father. But chose to stay in Australia. Got racially abused….but didn’t let that affect him. Became the leader of the attack in only his third Test. And he’s taken a five-for. Love and respect for you Siraj.”
Lost his father. But chose to stay in Australia.
Got racially abused….but didn’t let that affect him.
Became the leader of the attack in only his third Test. And he’s taken a five-for. Love and respect for you Siraj. ?? #AusvInd— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 18, 2021
Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle wrote, “Well bowled Mohammad Siraj. Your development as this tour has progressed has been heartwarming. Wish you a long career.”
Well bowled Mohammad Siraj. Your development as this tour has progressed has been heartwarming. Wish you a long career.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 18, 2021
Former India batsman Virender Sehwag wrote, “The boy has become a man on this tour. Siraj, Leader of the attack in his first Test series and he has led from.the front. The way newcomers have performed for India on this tour will be etched in memories for a long long time. Will be fitting if they retain the trophy.”
The boy has become a man on this tour. Siraj, Leader of the attack in his first Test series and he has led from.the front. The way newcomers have performed for India on this tour will be etched in memories for a long long time. Will be fitting if they retain the trophy. pic.twitter.com/8bRvMI1iwR
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 18, 2021
Former England cricketer Isa Guha wrote, “Wonderful moment for Mohammed Siraj. Deserving in so many ways but even more so because of what he’s been through the last few months. His father would be so proud. And that big beaming smile from Thakur. You’d get emotional no matter who you were supporting!”
Wonderful moment for Mohammed Siraj. Deserving in so many ways but even more so because of what he’s been through the last few months. His father would be so proud. And that big beaming smile from Thakur. You’d get emotional no matter who you were supporting! #AUSvsIND
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) January 18, 2021
India need to score 328 to win the fourth and the last Test match on the last day. The series is currently tied 1-1.