We may be only two games away from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but many positives have already emerged for the Indian cricket team. In Adelaide, even though the tourists were hit by eight wickets, the fact is that before India’s implosion in the second inning, they were on top after the first six sessions of the test match. Going into Melbourne, no one would have given a chance, but with backup captain Ajinkya Rahane, the team put on a challenging performance and tied the series 1-1.
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The architects of that victory were many. Rahane led from the front and marked a magnificent century. Two players in their 20s, Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj, debuted at the test and stood out. Shares of Ravindra Jadeja, the batsman, continued to rise, while R Ashwin once again demonstrated his credentials by bowling overseas. India made a number of gains, but the former Australian off-roader Tom Moody was very impressed is Siraj. The fast bowler shot amazingly well with the ball, collecting five wickets in the game with figures of 3/40 and 3/37.
“Mohammed Siraj, I think it was really impressive. We are talking about another wonderful Indian cricket story. This is a young man who comes from a very humble upbringing, he had his IPL opportunity at Sunrisers before going to Royal Challengers Bangalore. Now he’s playing test cricket, ”Moody told ESPNCricinfo.
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“To me, he looked like home as a test cricketer. Whether he had the bowl in hand or was on top of his mark, or even when he was on the field. He tried to save every race, which is what you want from the perspective of a captain and a coach, which is very important. “
Siraj, who was one of the surprise inclusions when the India team was announced for the Australia tour, replaced the injured Mohammed Shami and impressed immediately. He fired the dangerous Marnus Labuschagne caught in the leg and set up off-roader Cameron Green to get his wicket. In the second inning, he fired Travis Head, Green and Nathan Lyon when Australia retired for 200. Moody was in awe of Siraj’s energy level and feels the 26-year-old can be a valuable asset to the team abroad. .
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“He went after him with everything he possibly had, he took to the field with a youthful experience, but my goodness, when he threw the ball, he knew exactly what he was doing, he knew his role, he threw the right length. , he constantly challenged the front slap of hitters, ”added Moody.
“He’s fast enough to upset the best players. India has found a porter there and he is someone who will prosper abroad also because of the way he presents sewing. You can swing the ball and move off the field. It’s a great find for India. “
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