‘Maut daal diye bhai’ – Mohammed Siraj speaks to Team India’s fielding coach after Test debut against Australia

Mohammed Siraj, the Indian fast bowler, made his Test debut against Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground after his international debut three years ago. At the MCG, Siraj was included in place of Mohammed Shami, who was ruled out of the last three Tests due to a fractured arm. With all eyes on him, Siraj didn’t flatter to deceive by any stretch of the imagination.

He was introduced into the attack in the post-lunch session and he bowled with venom. To start with, he smashed Marnus Labuschagne flush on the helmet with a rapid bouncer. Then a few overs later, the pacer got rid of the batter, who was also the highest run-scorer with 48 runs in Australia’s first innings. Moreover, Siraj accounted for the wicket of Cameron Green.

Mohammed Siraj hogging the limelight

Siraj’s efforts are worth commendable as he has been performing national duties after his father passed away in the month of November. In the meantime, Siraj had a candid chat with R Sridhar, Team India’s fielding coach, after the end of the first day’s play. The duo had a candid chat where the coach lauded the Hyderabad speedster for his whole-hearted efforts.

“Maza aagya aapko ground me dekh kr, ekdam maut daal diye miya,” Sridhar was quoted as saying during the chat. Siraj responded, saying, “Maut daal diye bhai,”

Here’s the clip of the chat on BCCI’s Twitter handle-  

WATCH : R Sridhar interviews debutant Siraj with a Hyderabadi twist

You do not want to miss this fun chat between @coach_rsridhar & #TeamIndia's newest Test debutant, Siraj from the MCG – by @Moulinparikh

📹👉https://t.co/2vTdSgKPSi #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/08xSpKDs7Q

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 26, 2020

Siraj also explained how donning the whites for Team India is the ‘biggest achievement’ of his life and how he cherished every moment. He also expressed gratitude to stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane and fellow paceman Jasprit Bumrah for having his back.

“I was feeling really good. Getting the India Test cap is my life’s biggest achievement. I did not get bowling till lunch. Bowlers did really well after the drinks. I liked talking with Azzu bhai (Ajinkya Rahane) because he was giving me confidence and Jasprit Bumrah was also standing beside me. He also gave me confidence,” Siraj mentioned.

Siraj’s efforts didn’t go in vain as India bowled the Aussies out for 195 runs in their first innings. Bumrah was the standout bowler for the visitors as he picked up the four wickets of Joe Burns, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.