The young Indian pacer, Mohammed Siraj, who has been added to the ODI squad for the three-match series against Australia starting January 13. Team India will be missing the services of Jasprit Bumrah and Siraj has been called up as a replacement as his maiden ODI call-up on Monday, is looking forward to taking up the fast bowler’s role in his absence.
During his recent chat with Times Of India, Siraj said, “I am ready to take up the responsibility in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence. I am ready to handle the pace department. He (Bumrah) was just amazing in the Test series. He is our star bowler. There will be lots of expectations from me in his absence and I am ready for the series.”
Siraj has played three T20Is for India since his maiden international call-up against New Zealand in 2017. He was recently part of India A during their tour of New Zealand A where he had one notable performance of 4/59 in a three-day match at Hamilton in November. He returned to play the Ranji Trophy for Hyderabad and had match figures of 1/96 against Bengal and 7/145 vs Punjab.
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After the call-up, Siraj also spoke to veteran India pacer Ashish Nehra and took bowling tips to be effective in Australian conditions. he said that the veteran asked him to bowl fuller deliveries and in the line of the stumps as the Australians are very goat in playing cut and pull shots.
The younger fast bowler also acknowledged that he was not expecting the call-up but couldn’t hold back the excitement once he was made aware of it. He explained, “I didn’t expect the call-up. I was numb for a few seconds and then I shouted at the top of my voice and hugged my parents. I just want to go (to Australia) and make it count. I was mentally prepared that the day I will get the opportunity, I will grab it with both hands. I am really thankful that I am able to impress the selectors. I will not let them and my fans down.”
The call-up for Siraj has shown that he is considered as one of the first choice replacements even for a big series. This is perhaps largely thanks to his form while playing for India A. The team management clearly feels that Siraj is ready for ODI cricket.
