‘It reminded me of my father’ – Mohammed Siraj on getting emotional during the national anthem before the SCG Test

Mohammed Siraj, the Indian fast bowler, made his Test debut in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The youngster replaced Mohammed Shami, who was ruled out after the Adelaide Test due to a fractured forearm, in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Siraj picked up Marnus Labuschagne as his maiden Test wicket, making his debut a memorable one.

In the MCG Test, the pacer got five wickets, leading India to an eight-wicket wicket and a comeback in the series after the defeat in the Adelaide Test. However, amidst the joys of donning the whites, Siraj also endured a personal tragedy as his father passed away before the start of the series. However, he stayed back in Australia and has served his country with pride and passion.

As far as passion is concerned, it was palpable in his eyes before the start of the Sydney Test. When the Indian national anthem was being played before the beginning of the day’s play, the pacer was seen in tears. He was seen rubbing his eyes and found it tough to control his emotions.

My father always wanted to see me play Test cricket: Mohammed Siraj

On being asked about the reason for getting emotional, Siraj said that he got nostalgic about his father. The Hyderabad pacer stated that it was his father’s dream to watch him play Test cricket.

“It reminded me of my father, so that’s why I got emotional. My father always wanted to see me play Test cricket. If he was there, he would have been able to see me play,” Siraj was quoted as saying after the first day’s play.

Mohammed Siraj on why he got so emotional while the National Anthem was being played at the SCG.#TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/zo0Wc8h14A

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 7, 2021

After an impressive show in Melbourne, Siraj hasn’t flattered to deceive even in the Sydney Test. In the fourth over of the day, he got of David Warner, who was making his comeback after missing the first two Tests due to a groin injury.

In 14 overs, Siraj bowled three maidens at gave away 46 runs at an economy rate of 3.30. At the close of play, the Aussies stood at 166 for the loss of two wickets. Labuschagne and Steve Smith are in the middle, scoring 67 and 31 runs respectively.