With white Kookaburra, Mohammed Siraj had a nightmare of an IPL 2022 for Royal Challengers Bangalore but one of India's rising fast bowling stars is hopeful of making amends with the red Dukes during the series-deciding fifth Test against England. (More Cricket News)
In the recently concluded IPL 2022, Siraj had an economy rate of 10.07 with only nine wickets from 15 games but even bigger ignominy was being hit for a whopping 31 sixes, highest by any bowler in history of the tournament.
“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,” Siraj said on the sidelines of trailer launch of web-series 'Bandon Mein Tha Dum' based on India's 2020-21 Test series triumph 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. Siraj, who has been brilliant in Test matches for India, wants to do well in the fifth Test against England to be played in Edgbaston from July 1-5.
“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,” the Hyderabad-based speedster added.
According to Siraj, the fifth Test, which had to be rescheduled due to the COVID outbreak in the Indian camp last year, will be ‘very important’ in the context of the World Test Championship.
“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,” added the right-arm speedster.
Hitting one spot relentlessly is very important in Test cricket, reckons Siraj. “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.
“My aim is to perform consistently for the team and bowl in one area and create pressure. Even if I don't get wickets, my aim is how I can put the opposition in pressure,” Siraj said. The Australia tour was one heck of an emotional tour for him as he lost his father while he was Down Under and his maiden five-wicket haul at the fourth Test in Brisbane is a standout memory.
“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.
