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“The wrecker-in-chief, by distance, was Mohammed Siraj” – Dinesh Karthik
By SMCS - Dec 5, 2021 12:44 pm
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Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has applauded Mohammed Siraj for his impressive bowling against New Zealand in the second Test in Mumbai. The veteran has referred to Siraj as the ‘wrecker-in-chief’. The pacer has also helped India bundle out the Kiwis for 62 runs in the second innings of the match as well.

Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj

Dinesh Karthik has opened up on Siraj’s efforts and highlighted that it was important to dismiss the openers quickly. While reviewing the test match on Cricbuzz, Karthik said: “We can keep speaking about the spinners, but I feel the wrecker-in-chief by a distance was Mohammed Siraj. Because the guys who played long were the openers and caused a lot of trouble. To get them out with the kind of balls he bowled was incredible.”

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Dinesh Karthik also drew the comparison between the Australian legend Glenn McGrath and Mohammed Siraj.

Karthik said: “Yes, he’s (Siraj) got a certain angle where the ball straightens. But the fact that he’s able to move the ball from the seam towards away from the batters – always will induce edges and that’s going to keep him in great regard. That’s the strength that not many bowlers have. I remember Glenn McGrath had that ability to get the ball going out.”

ashwin century
Ravichandran Ashwin scored a century on the turning pitch

He further added: “Even when Siraj played for India A, he phenomenally picked up plenty of wickets with the red ball and kind of demolished the door and entered the Indian team. It was just fabulous to watch him today.”

Meanwhile, India spinner R Ashwin has shown his class again, claiming four wickets as well. While speaking over Ashwin’s performance on Saturday, Karthik said that getting out on a golden duck would’ve hurt him as well.

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“If I say it in a nice and positive way – the cockiness when Ashwin got out Henry Nicholls on the first ball and castled him – that’s Ashwin for you. He’s a fighter. I think the fact that he got out first ball might have been really playing on his mind because he’s been batting well. I think it must have hurt him. But the way he came back and bowled, he couldn’t wait to get his hands on the ball. And when he did, he bowled wonderful deliveries,” Dinesh Karthik concluded.