Twitter Reacts As Mohammed Siraj Claims A Maiden Five-Wicket Haul As Australia Leave India With A Target Of 328

Mohammed Siraj’s maiden five-wicket-haul headlined India’s bowling effort on day 04 as the visitors bowled Australia out for 294 in their second innings before inclement weather enforced a premature end to the day’s play.

With rain forecasted for days 4 and 5 and an overall lead of just 54, Australia needed a quick start from its opening duo of David Warner and Marcus Harris in the morning session. Warner and Harris survived two close calls in the slip-cordon as Mohammed Siraj and T Natarajan drew their respective outside edged and the duo capitalized big time as they cashed-in every time the pacers erred in their line and length.

As many as seven boundaries came in the first six overs of the day. The duo took Australia’s score to 0/89 in a jiffy but just as it looked like they were well on their way for a big stand, Shardul Thakur provided India with a much-needed scalp as he bounced out Marcus Harris at the stroke of the drinks break.

David Warner immediately followed Marcus Harris after he was trapped plumb in front by Washington Sundar in the very next over. However, Australia’s attacking intent continued as Marnus Labuschagne continued from where the openers had left as he raced to 25 off just 22 balls.

However, Mohammed Siraj’s double-wicket over in which he claimed both Labuschagne and Matthew Wade ensured that India made another comeback in the Test match. Steve Smith, however, continued to bat unfazed by what was happening at the other end as he took Australia’s lead past the 200-run-mark.

Smith, who stitched a valuable 63-run-stand with Cameron Green, notched up yet another half-century before he was eventually dismissed by a snorter of delivery by Mohammed Siraj. The ball hit the crack and exploded off the length, only to hit Smith’s gloves and Rohit Sharma in the slip-cordon did the rest.

Shardul Thakur then joined the party as he claimed the wickets of Cameron Green (fending at slips to Rohit) and skipper Tim Paine courtesy a bumper to reduce Australia to 7/242.

Siraj claimed Mitchell Starc while Thakur dismissed Nathan Lyon and soon the battle ensued between the two pacers as to who would claim their maiden five-for.

Eventually, it was Mohammed Siraj, who won that battle, and coincidently it was Shardul Thakur, who took the catch of Josh Hazlewood at third man.

However, another spell of rain ensured that just 1.4 overs were possible in India’s second innings as the day was prematurely abandoned.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

https://twitter.com/Actor_Siddharth/status/1351064399340044289

#<!---->M<!---->o<!---->h<!---->a<!---->m<!---->m<!---->e<!---->d<!---->S<!---->i<!---->r<!---->a<!---->j take a bow you superstar. A well earned 5fa. Love the emotion. ♥️?? #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->s<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Erin Holland (@erinvholland) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Well bowled #<!---->S<!---->i<!---->r<!---->a<!---->j !! Congratulations on ur first 5 wicket haul #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->s<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->T<!---->e<!---->s<!---->t

— Mithun Manhas (@MithunManhas) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Congrats #<!---->S<!---->i<!---->r<!---->a<!---->j for taking a maiden 5 wicket haul in test cricket & to @<!---->i<!---->m<!---->S<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->d for 4 wickets. Kudos to d young bowling attack of team India. Showing great character in the absence of the front line bowlers. Game is on, hope weather will b fine for 2morow .. @<!---->B<!---->C<!---->C<!---->I #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->s<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S

— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

https://twitter.com/denniscricket_/status/1351053611401441281?s=21

So happy for Md Siraj, been through an enormous amount the last few months, he thoroughly deserves this five-for. #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D
Game on – 328 the target, let's hope the weather behaves!

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

A five-wicket haul is a fitting reward for Siraj. And as he points to the sky you can see how much it means to him. #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Having to toil in first class cricket is so important. It shows in both, #<!---->s<!---->i<!---->r<!---->a<!---->j and #<!---->S<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->d<!---->u<!---->l<!---->t<!---->h<!---->a<!---->k<!---->u<!---->r performance. You could bowl spells after spells in test matches if you have done that regularly in domestic cricket. Well done to both of them!

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Wonderful moment for Mohammed Siraj. Deserving in so many ways but even more so because of what he’s been through the last few months. His father would be so proud. And that big beaming smile from Thakur. You’d get emotional no matter who you were supporting! #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->s<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Isa Guha (@isaguha) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Sport is all about stories. Mohammed Siraj is one. His proud father is smiling on him from heaven seeing his son show that ball to the world. A fiver that has answered all the insults the best.

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Mohammad Siraj in Debut Test Series in Australia

13 Wickets
29.53 Average
2.85 Economy

List of Bowlers with More Wickets at Lesser Average & Econ. than Siraj in a Test series in AUS since 2011:

Kyle Abbott 2016
Jimmy Anderson 2017/18
Neil Wagner 2019/20
Jasprit Bumrah 2018/19 p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->g<!---->t<!---->d<!---->H<!---->3<!---->q<!---->5<!---->T<!---->u<!---->B

— . (@finehaihum) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Well bowled Mohammad Siraj. Your development as this tour has progressed has been heartwarming. Wish you a long career.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

A standing ovation as Mohammed Siraj picks up his maiden 5-wicket haul.#<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D #<!---->T<!---->e<!---->a<!---->m<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->i<!---->a p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->e<!---->0<!---->I<!---->a<!---->V<!---->J<!---->3<!---->u<!---->A<!---->8

— BCCI (@BCCI) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

That five-wicket haul for Mohammed Siraj one of the moments of the series. He has been through so much. A long Test career ahead for him. #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

So chuffed for Mohammad Siraj. ?????? Well done. #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D #<!---->g<!---->r<!---->e<!---->a<!---->t<!---->h<!---->e<!---->a<!---->r<!---->t #<!---->g<!---->o<!---->o<!---->d<!---->t<!---->h<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->s

— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

https://twitter.com/benjonescricket/status/1351060221599354880?s=19

India’s inexperienced bowling attack have been phenomenal in this test! With the bat yesterday too.

Shaping up around the 300 mark for a chase on day 5 with the whole series on the line. How good is Test cricket!!!! ?? @<!---->7<!---->C<!---->r<!---->i<!---->c<!---->k<!---->e<!---->t #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Trent Copeland (@copes9) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

The wicket ball from Shardul Thakur swung 1.4 degrees, more than any other ball Green faced from the Indian seamer. #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

50% of all tied Tests have been at the Gabba.

— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Another twist to this game. The loss of Steve Smith will slow Australia down but the manner of his dismissal will be disquieting. This game is writing its own script.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

https://twitter.com/benjonescricket/status/1351007925054140416?s=19

That's an incredibly good value 13-wicket debut Test series for Siraj; has looked at home with so much extra responsibility #<!---->a<!---->u<!---->s<!---->v<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d

— Daniel Brettig ? (@danbrettig) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

The threat of Pant and Rohit?? Or thinking about the WTC finals? This isn’t the way the Australian teams of old would’ve set-up a win….especially with so much weather around. Aggression? #<!---->A<!---->u<!---->s<!---->v<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

PLAY THAT! ?#<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->Dp<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->V<!---->Y<!---->B<!---->J<!---->5<!---->k<!---->y<!---->Q<!---->S<!---->B

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Smith’s gone, India still in the game.

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Fabulous session. Australia raced along before India pulled back superbly well. Can India get Smith early after lunch? All 3 results still possible. Aus will need 150 more before they can declare I would think.

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

The ball from Mohammed Siraj which dismissed Smith leapt unexpectedly, bouncing about 45cm more than other balls on a similar length. #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->u<!---->7<!---->f<!---->W<!---->N<!---->Q<!---->9<!---->7<!---->q<!---->y

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

https://twitter.com/benjonescricket/status/1351009502057947138?s=19

Regardless of how this ends, this has been the most impressive overseas collective effort I think I’ve ever seen? 36 all out, Kohli gone home, living in isolation, racist incident in the stands, entire first string bowling attack out and India STILL just as likely …

— Felix White (@felixwhite) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

I love Shane Warne for everything he’s done for the game of cricket and always will but he’s having a shocker here. Abject is kind.

— Ben (@LongyWTID) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Shane Warne just casually accusing Natarajan of spot fixing #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->w<!---->o<!---->J<!---->7<!---->N<!---->i<!---->z<!---->U<!---->N<!---->7

— Ted “Freebird” Rivers (@Cloud_Sounds) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Shane Warne is wittering on about no balls & Natarajan as if this is Covid. Simple explanation: He's been a net bowler for the last month. #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Tunku Varadarajan (@tunkuv) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1