India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah praised the debutant Mohammed Siraj’s bowling performance in the second Test against Australia in Melbourne. Siraj has replaced injured Mohammed Shami, who has been advised for six weeks rest following his injury in the first Test.
Jasprit Bumrah revealed that he was desperate to bowl in the first session. But the stand-in captain Rahane preferred Ravichandran Ashwin and Bumrah to bowl in that session because they were getting aid from the pitch, which had moisture.
Bumrah acknowledged that Siraj deserved the chance because he has worked hard to earn the place.
“He made his debut, he was very to bowl in the first session [of the 2nd Test], he was waiting for his chance. So, yeah, he’s worked really hard, he’s come up to the ranks. So, yeah, he was bowling well, he was in amidst a good spell,” Jasprit Bumrah said in a press conference after Stumps, Day 1.
Mohammed Siraj showed confidence in using all his skills on debut, says Jasprit Bumrah
During the innings break, Bumrah was an interview where he showed that it was a heartening sign for the team that Siraj chipped in to take the pressure from other bowlers.
“So, yeah, when he came after lunch, after the first session, so there was not a lot happening. So he bowled with a lot of control and then suddenly he started getting a little bit of movement. So he tried to use the best of it and, you know, playing his first Test match he bowled really well and he showed confidence in using all his skills. So that’s a very heartening sign for us and hopefully, he continues like that,” he added.
Mohammed Siraj was rewarded with two crucial wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green.
India bowled Australia out for 195, with brilliant spells from Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin (3/35) after losing the toss and remained on 36/1 at Stumps Day 1.