Pacer Mohammed Siraj’s brother misses Test, but follows it in Dubai

Mohd Ismail

Though India speedster Mohammed Siraj and his elder brother Ismail are in two different countries, they have a commendable understanding and are on the same wavelength.

Siraj (4-0-19-3) gave New Zealand early jitters on Day Two of the Mumbai Test. As a result, the Kiwis were bundled out for a mere 62 in the first innings. Ismail was supposed to be at the Wankhede Stadium to watch his brother bowl in a Test again, but missed the opportunity since he had to visit Dubai for some urgent work a couple of days ago. However, he watched Siraj send back NZ's top three batsmen on his mobile.

‘Delighted to watch bro play'

"I was eager to watch Siraj bowl in whites again. He was not in the playing XI at Kanpur, but I was expecting him in the squad at Wankhede. I am delighted the way he bowled a fiery spell today [Saturday]. The dismissal of Ross Taylor [off an away going delivery] who Siraj clean bowled was simply great. I felt that was one of the best balls in this Test. I was expecting him to take a fifer," Ismail told Sunday mid-day from Dubai.

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Siraj's three victims were opener Will Young (4), skipper Tom Latham (10) and No.4 Taylor (1) which had the visitors gasping at 3-17 by the sixth over of the innings. Siraj, 27, has taken 30 wickets in nine Tests.

Like his brother, Siraj rated his out-swinger to Taylor very high. "I had a field to bowl an in-swinging delivery, aiming to hit Taylor's pad. But when I was about to start my run-up, I felt I needed to bowl out-swing. I was in good rhythm and just aimed to bowl in the right area. That was a dream ball for a fast bowler," Siraj said during a virtual press conference on Saturday.

The Hyderabad bowler revealed how he disturbed experienced Kiwi batsman Taylor's furniture: "When I was injured [left-hand injury during T20I series v NZ last month] and was not part of the playing XI in the last match [Kanpur Test], I was working on my out-swing while bowling to a single stump. I knew I would get an opportunity in the next match and was preparing accordingly for the Mumbai Test. Today [Saturday] I knew I would get three to four overs to bowl and decided to bowl with full strength. I thought it would be good for the team if I bowl with consistency and take one or two wickets...that was my plan."

Passionate about Tests

Just like Siraj, Ismail is very passionate about the longer format of the game. "Though Siraj is performing well in white-ball cricket, he has keen interest and is serious about Test cricket or Ranji Trophy. I want to see him bowl in Test cricket regularly and contribute to India's Test wins at home as well as outside the country," Ismail remarked.

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