Mohammed Siraj reveals conversation with Jasprit Bumrah ahead of Australia tour

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj recently revealed his heart-to-heart conversation with his teammate Jasprit Bumrah, which changed his fortunes just when India needed him most.

After a tough period that saw him struggle in series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, Siraj was low and disappointed with his underwhelming contributions. Dropped from the playing XI, the Hyderabad-born fast bowler was searching for guidance. His breakthrough moment came from Bumrah, the No.1 ranked Test bowler, who gave him a piece of advice.

"I always keep talking to Jassi bhai (Bumrah). Even before the first match, I spoke with him about what I was going through. And he just told me one thing - don't run (chase) after wickets, just keep bowling consistently in one area and enjoy your bowling. If you still don't get wickets, then you come ask me. So I enjoyed my bowling and I got wickets as well," Siraj said as quoted by ICC.

Australia, a place where pacers enjoy: Siraj

This conversation proved to be worthy, leading to a remarkable turnaround in Perth, where Siraj picked up five crucial wickets in the opening Test against Australia. From managing just two wickets in the series against New Zealand, Siraj got back his form at the WACA Ground in Perth. 

"Australia is a place where a fast bowler enjoys because you get pace and bounce. As a fast bowler, you get everything you want. So you get a different kind of confidence to come and enjoy your bowling here," he added.

His five-wicket haul was his first since his outstanding seven-wicket performance against South Africa in Cape Town earlier in 2024. More importantly, it came at a critical point as the visitors are looking to secure qualification for the World Test Championship Final at Lord's.

Now, the team's attention is turned towards Adelaide, where India will play their first pink-ball Test in Australia since the infamous 2020 series where they were bundled out for just 36 runs. Siraj in the warm-up match against the Prime Minister's XI, claimed the wicket of Matt Renshaw.

"I think that with the pink-ball, it's better to bowl back of length. Because pitching it up, there's not a lot of swing, so the more you hit the deck and get it to seam, it will be better for us," Siraj further added.

Also Read: Mohammed Siraj credits Bharat Arun, Morne Morkel for form revival ahead of Australia tour

The speedster was vocal about the challenges of playing a Pink Ball Test. He revealed that he hasn't yet bowled under the lights with the pink ball and is looking forward for the practice session ahead of the Test match, set to begin on December 6.

"I have heard that the ball swings a lot under the lights but I haven't yet bowled with it under lights. So when we go to Adelaide and practice, we will try that. And the more practice we get, we'll know more about what we have to do."