To See Mohammed Siraj Play Tests For India Was Our Late Father’s Dream: Mohammed Siraj’ Brother Ismail
India pacer Mohammed Siraj's brother hailed him for his Test debut in the ongoing series against Australia and said his later father will be proud.
Mohammed Siraj, on Saturday, made his Test debut for India. Before making it to the Test, Siraj has featured in the 3T20Is and a single ODI. After witnessing his performance in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League, selectors took no time in picking him in the Test Squad for the tour of Australia.
Mohammed Siraj didn’t get a chance in India playing XI for the first Test but he made it to the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test and, as it unfolded, the pacer did not disappoint. He claimed figures of 2/40 on Day 1, as Australia were crumbled for 195 in the 1st innings, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Here it is worth noting that Mohammed Siraj got a place in India’s playing XI only after Mohammed Shami got injured and ruled out of the Test series against Australia. Siraj, on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test has impressed many. He is being lauded by many cricket experts and analysts.
Meanwhile, his brother Ismail, who is also his manager has expressed his joy after seeing his brother in Indian jersey. He also opened up on the dream of his late father, which was to see Siraj in blue and white Indian jersey.
Soon after India landed in Australia, Mohammed Siraj lost his ailing father Mohammed Ghouse on November 20. The 26-year-old had heard the news of his father’s demise after a practice session in Sydney. Due to the strict quarantine rules in Australia, the right-arm pacer wasn’t able to attend the last rites of his father. The right-arm pacer then decided to stay back in Australia to fulfil his father’s dream.
“It was my (late) father’s dream that Siraj should represent India in Tests … he always wanted to see him (Siraj) in blue and white jersey to represent the nation, so our dream got fulfilled today,” Ismail told PTI from Hyderabad.
“Since the team was announced yesterday, we knew that he was going to make a debut. We did not sleep the entire night, we switched on TV from 4 am,” said Ismail.
Siraj was handed over the ball only after Lunch. Ismail revealed that his brother called their mother after the day’s play.
“We were waiting eagerly when he will bowl … intezaar badhte jaa raha tha (our wait was getting longer) … but after lunch break, he started the first over and (the wait) ended,” Ismail said.
“I chatted with him through messages, I did not disturb him much as he was tired and there is again play tomorrow. However, he called up Ammi (mother),” Ismail revealed.
