Ahmedabad, Oct 2 (UNI) Mohammed Siraj showcased his adaptability and skill on a rare green-top pitch in India, claiming four wickets to bundle out West Indies for 162 on Day 1 of the opening Test at Narendra Modi Stadium here today.
Excited to bowl in such conditions, Siraj said, “I was very excited to bowl on this pitch, something we don’t get very often in India. I had to work hard for these four wickets… No one gave me the fifth wicket, I had to take all four with hard work.”
Siraj credited his competitive series in England for the confidence behind his performance. Leading India’s pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, he bowled 185.3 overs in the five-Test series, finishing as the top wicket-taker with 23 scalps.
“It was a very competitive series in England, and of course, I got a lot of confidence from it. To perform against a strong side gives a different kind of confidence and I had it today as well,” he said.
After returning from England, Siraj took a three-week break before resuming training. He played the second unofficial Test against Australia A in Lucknow, where he claimed three wickets, and said the stint helped him regain his rhythm.
“When you play after a long gap, you also learn about your rhythm. It was very hot in Lucknow, but I had a good preparation before the series. I followed up on my rhythm from the England tour, but I enjoyed this break which I got after several years,” he added.
Siraj also highlighted the role of domestic cricket experience in his performance, noting that playing in Ranji Trophy and India A matches since childhood helped him adapt to Indian conditions with confidence.
India, meanwhile, reached 121 for 2 in their first innings with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill at the crease after Siraj and Bumrah shone with the ball.
