I Didn’t Expect Mohammed Siraj To Be This Brilliant, Says Graeme Swann

Former England spinner Graeme Swann has heaped lots of praise on Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj after England folded for 205 runs on day one of the fourth Test against India being played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

England batted first after Joe Root won the toss in the important fourth Test which India needs to win or draw in order to qualify for the final of the ICC World Test Championship and face New Zealand in the final on June 18.

I Didn’t Expect Mohammed Siraj To Bowl As Well As He Did: Graeme Swann

Swann, who was one of the architects of England’s 2012 Test series win in India, praised Mohammed Siraj for surprising him with how nicely he exploited the bounce and movement presented by the Motera pitch.

“I thought when England won the toss that this wicket might do a bit because there was bit of moisture in the ground but I didn’t expect Siraj to exploit it as well as he did. I obviously thought Sharma, who is a senior bowler (would do most of the damage) But Siraj was brilliant,” Swann in the post-match show on Star Sports.

Mohammed Siraj Bowled With Great Pace And The Way He Set Up Joe Root Was Amazing: Graeme Swann

Siraj was at his best as he helped Axar Patel keep the pressure on England team after the left-arm spinner’s twin blows early on. Siraj accounted for Captain Joe Root early for just 5 runs, after setting him up nicely with a couple of deliveries which left him and then brought one into him and trapped him LBW.

He then removed Jonny Bairstow, who was also dismissed LBW, though via DRS review, for 28 runs. This broke an important partnership developing between Bairstow and Ben Stokes.

“He bowled with great pace and the way he set up Joe Root with a couple going away just around off the off stump and then after the drinks break, nipped the ball back in trapped Joe Root in front of the crease. The ball he got Jonny Bairstow with as well… What I Like about that was it was 10 km quicker than the previous delivery. It just beat for pace, beat him all ends up. It was just a great bit of bowling. You got to take your hats off to him,” Swann said.

India was 24 for 1 at stumps on Day 1 after bowling England out for 205 in the first innings.

Also Read: “Mazaa Aa Gaya” Getting Joe Root’s Wicket Gave Me Immense Satisfaction, Says Mohammed Siraj