Mohammed Siraj Says Missed Jasprit Bumrah And "Had To Step Up To The Occasion" In His Absence
Australia vs India, 4th Test: Mohammed Siraj led India's fast bowling attack in Jasprit Bumrah's absence and picked up his maiden five-wicket haul as Australia folded for 294 runs in their second innings.
Highlights
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Mohammed Siraj said he missed senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah in 4th Test
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Siraj said he knew that he had to step up to the occasion during 4th Test
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Siraj's spell helped India bowl Australia out for 294 in the 2nd innings
The Indian bowling attack might have put in a commendable show even in pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah's absence in the ongoing fourth Test, but Mohammed Siraj has missed the pacer. In Bumrah's absence, Siraj has led the pace attack. Siraj hasn't disappointed as he picked his maiden five-wicket haul on Monday to bundle out Australia for 294 in their second innings. The right-arm pacer, whose experience in the domestic circuit came in handy, said his aim was to build pressure on the Australia batsmen.
"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 at The Gabba.
"I missed Jassi bhai (Jasprit Bumrah) and in his absence, I had to step up to the occasion. My aim was to build pressure on Australia batsmen," he added.
The injury-ravaged Team India has a chance to register back-to-back series wins on Australian soil. Siraj said the goal is to win the series after seeing how the side fought back despite not having the key players.
The Indian pacer hailed youngsters for a remarkable fightback in the first innings and 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 the series. After so many injuries but still we 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 added.
In the final session, with rain playing spoilsport, the Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill could face just 1.5 overs on the fourth evening before the umpires decided to call for early stumps. India need 324 runs on the final day with 10 wickets in the bag at Australia's fortress -- The Gabba.Â
India Cricket Team
Australia Cricket Team
Jasprit Bumrah
Ajinkya Rahane
Brisbane Cricket Ground (Woolloongabba), Brisbane