The young Indian fast bowler, Mohammed Siraj was seen having some tears when the Indian national anthem was played before the start of the third Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday. Siraj, who is playing only his second Test after having made a phenomenal debut in the Melbourne Test earlier in the series, got India their first wicket by sending back the veteran opener, David Warner.
The 26-year-old fast bowler had lost his father late last year but decided to continue being with the Indian team in Australia to play in the Tests. An injury to Mohammed Shami during the first Test in Adelaide gave the chance for Siraj to get included in the Test squad and on his debut in the second Test, he returned with the figures of 2 for 40 and 3 for 37.
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After his father’s demise, Mohammed Siraj had said, “He wished that I continue playing for India and make my country proud. I just want to fulfil my father’s dream.”
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Australia won the toss in Sydney and elected to bat. Besides Warner, Will Pucovski also made his Test debut as they came in as the replacement of Travis Head and Joe Burns. Pucovski made his Test debut after being in line for it ahead of the series opener but he had suffered a concussion during the practice game which ruled him out of the first couple of games.
Warner’s return to Test cricket was cut short by Siraj who made the Australian opener drive away from his body at a wide delivery and edge it to Cheteshwar Pujara at first slip.
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The first session on Day 1 was affected by rain as only 7.1 overs of play was possible before multiple rain interruptions meant that early lunch had to be taken.
