India pacer Mohammed Siraj said the work he put during the lockdown and India- A tours helped him to be ready for his Test debut in Melbourne. The pacer has picked up three wickets so far in the match.
“The performance in domestic cricket and India-A tour helped me focus on the basics consistently. During the lockdown, I worked on my fitness and also my bowling. I did well in the IPL and that gave me the confidence that I can do well for India also,” said Siraj after the third day’s play on Monday.
The Hyderabad pacer, who picked up a wicket on the third day as the Indian bowlers reduced the host to 133 for six after taking a 131-run lead, said there was not much help for the bowlers and that patience would be the key to bowling out Australia soon on the fourth day.
Patience is the key
“The wicket has become slow and, there is not much swing either. So we have to be patient and bowl in one area,” said the 26-year-old.
Siraj also said the team focussed on squeezing the runs after Umesh Yadav limped off the field. “After Umesh Bhai left, we tried to focus on bowling maiden overs and build the pressure.”
The pacer also credited the role of bowling coach Bharat Arun in his career as the latter had worked with Siraj when he was coach of the Hyderabad team a few years ago.
“When he was with Hyderabad, he used to tell me that I could take the wicket of any batsman and always encouraged me.”
