I Found Out About My Father's Illness After Landing - Mohammed Siraj Says Of His 'Tough' Tour Of Australia

Indian Fast Bowler Mohammed Siraj recalled the incident when his father passed away and then he came to know that when he lands in Australia for a Test Series, he eventually decided to stay back in Australia. The four-Test series was set to begin on December 17, 2020, and the quarantine issue was a major concern owing to Covid-19.

On his Test debut, Siraj took five wickets for 77 runs in Melbourne’s second Test. With 13 wickets in three matches, he finished as the third-highest wicket-taker on either side in the Test series.

Siraj was picked to India’s Test squad for their upcoming series with Australia on October 26, 2020. Following a dispute over whether to select Navdeep Saini or Siraj in the aftermath of Mohammad Shami’s injury, Siraj was selected ahead of Saini, and he earned his Test debut for India against Australia in December 26, 2020.

Marnus Labuschagne became his first Test wicket. Siraj recorded his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket in January 2021, during the fourth Test of the series against Australia.

‘My mother encouraged me to become strong during that time’: Mohammed Siraj

The Test task was a painful encounter for Siraj, who battled Covid-19 protocols and went through a “difficult” mental phase. Mohammed Siraj described how a conversation with his mother had strengthened him.

“It was quite difficult for me. My father was also sick during the IPL. However, no one in my family had informed me that the situation was serious.

“When I arrived in Australia, I learned of his condition. There was also the Covid-19 protocol. We had to put them in quarantine. I found out about Dad’s death during our practice session.”

“During that time, my mum helped me to be strong. ‘Fulfill your father’s desire and make your country proud,’ she advised. This was the only thing that kept me going. I wasn’t sure if I’d get a chance to play at all. The team included senior bowlers “Siraj remarked

“I finally got my chance in the second Test. When I wore my cap in Melbourne, I thought to myself, ‘Dad should’ve been here” He continued.

Siraj will next be seen bowling the red Dukes in India’s series-deciding fifth Test against England. The game will take place in Edgbaston from July 1 to 5.

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