Canberra, Dec 2: Back in form with five wickets in India’s brilliant come-from-behind win in the Perth Test against Australia, Mohammed Siraj has credited his senior pace colleague and attack spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for helping him turn things around after an ordinary home series against New Zealand.
The 30-year-old endured a difficult home season, managing just two wickets in two Tests during India’s disastrous 0-3 loss to New Zealand prior to the tour Down Under, but returned to his best in the Perth Test.
Siraj said it was a chat with stand-in skipper and No.1 ranked Test bowler Bumrah prior to the tour that helped him make a comeback in the series-opener in Perth where India recovered from a first innings collapse to 150 for a massive 295-run triumph.
“I always keep talking to Jassi bhai (Bumrah),” Siraj said after the India’s six-wicket win over Australian Prime Minister’s XI.
“Even before the first match, I spoke with him about what I was going through. And he just told me one thing – don’t run (chase) after wickets, just keep bowling consistently in one area and enjoy your bowling. If you still don’t get wickets, then you come ask me.
“So I enjoyed my bowling and I got wickets as well,” he added.
Siraj also spoke to former India bowling coach Bharat Arun to help find his centre.
“I spoke with Bharat Arun sir, that this is what’s happening with me, because he has known me for a while and he has seen my bowling from long time back. So, he just told me to enjoy and not run after wickets.”
Siraj seemed to be in good rhythm in the warm-up match, which was his first game with a pink ball. The second Test, a day-night game, begins on Friday. It would be the first time that Siraj would be bowling with the pink ball under lights. (PTI)
