The fiery Indian fast bowler, Mohammed Siraj was in top form on Day 4 of the 2nd Test between India and the West Indies in Port of Spain. He picked up his 2nd 5-wicket haul in Test cricket as he helped decimate the West Indies lower-order in their first innings. Bowling with the second new ball, Siraj rattled the West Indies batting unit, picking up 5 for 50, his best Test figures.
Mohamed Siraj got the ball to move both ways, leaving the West Indies batters, including the likes of Jason Holder, perplexed. Siraj and Mukesh Kumar cleaned up the West Indies batting unit as the hosts slipped from 229 for 5 at the start of Day 4 to 255-all out, conceding a 183-run first-innings lead to India.
ALSO READ: Mohammed Siraj And Ishan Kishan Propel India’s Dominance In Port Of Spain
West Indies pace legend Courtney Walsh was impressed with Siraj’s aggression, consistency and game plan. He said, “I was impressed with the two seamers. The control that they showed, the swing that they got with the new ball, obviously, as a fast bowler, that is what you like to see. It was good to see bending their back and getting the rewards for it.”
In the absence of senior pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, Siraj has stepped up to take responsibility as the leader of the Indian pace attack in the West Indies tour. He has come a long way from his maiden Test tour of Australia where he showed glimpses of his ability to step up and lead a young group of pacers.
After Siraj’s 5-wicket haul, India Bazballed with the bat to race to 181 for 2 in just 24 overs after which they declared their 2nd innings and set West Indies a target of 365 runs.
ALSO READ: Ishan Kishan thanks Rishabh Pant for batting advice ahead of West Indies tour
Siraj’s performance on Day 4 was a reminder of his potential as one of the world’s best fast bowlers. He is a young and aggressive bowler who is not afraid to put his hand up and take responsibility. If he can continue to perform at this level, he will be a key member of the Indian team for many years to come.
