India’s ace pace bowler Mohammed Siraj took his 2nd five-wicket in the longer format during the rain-curtailed 4th Day of the 2nd Test match against hosts West Indies played at Port of Spain, Trinidad on 23 July 2023. Siraj was not at his best on the 3rd day before he produced a stunning delivery to dismiss Joshua Da Silva.
Jason Holder and Alick Athanze frustrated Indian bowling as West Indies ended the 3rd day at 229 for 5. With India needing wickets, Siraj came to the party with a superb bowling effort. He got rid of Jason Holder with a simple catch by Ishan Kishan. He then dismissed Alazzari Joseph with a review for LBW.
The umpire gave not out but on review, it was overturned to out. The ace pace bowler then took the wickets of Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel. It was a remarkable effort as Siraj ended with figures of 5 for 60 in 23.4 overs. His efforts helped India bowl out West Indies for 255 in the first innings giving India a substantial 183 runs.
He looked in great shape with the second new ball and kept on asking tough questions against the West Indies batting lineup that looked impressive on the third day. In reply, Yashavi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma provided a flying start putting on 98 runs for the first wicket in just 11.5 overs. Rohit Sharma scored fifty off just 35 balls.
Ishan Kishan was promoted to number 4 and scored his maiden Test fifty. The Indian team declared their innings on 181 for 2. Mohammed Siraj troubled the West Indies batters in the second innings too giving away 24 runs in his 8 overs. His 5 for 60 were the best figures for him in Test cricket.
Kraigg Braithwaite and Tangerine Chanderpaul added 38 runs for the opening wicket before R Ashwin dismissed Braithwaite and McKenzie. India needs 8 more wickets with rain predicted on day 5.
Mohammed Siraj’s performance in Test cricket
Mohammed Siraj made his Test debut during India’s tour of Australia in 2020-21. He led an inexperienced attack in the fourth match against Australia where top bowlers including Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami did not play due to injuries. Siraj picked his maiden five-wicket haul in Test matches during the 2nd innings of the fourth Test match at Gabba.
He took 5 for 73 runs in 19.5 overs and was the leading wicket-taker for Team India in the historic series win on Australian soil for the second time. He has played a total of 21 Test matches (28 innings) and grabbed a total of 59 wickets with career-best figures.
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