India pacer Mohammed Siraj commended young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for his outstanding century on Day 3 of the Rajkot Test against England on February 17. According to Siraj, Jaiswal is currently batting with a high level of confidence.
After Siraj’s four-wicket haul limited England to 319 in their first innings, Jaiswal scored 104 off 133 before retiring hurt due to back spasms. India finished Day 3 at 196/2 after 51 overs, holding a lead of 322 runs.
Addressing a press conference after the conclusion of the third day’s play in Rajkot, Siraj showered praise on the left-handed batsman.
“The way he is batting, his confidence is very high. He is not looking behind and is totally focused on what lies ahead and he is carrying on with that confidence. The message from the team is that he should continue the way he has been doing,” the fast bowler was quoted as saying by PTI.
The 29-year-old emphasized the importance of India’s bowlers recuperating effectively, considering they delivered extended spells in the first innings. With Ravichandran Ashwin unavailable due to a family medical emergency, India finds themselves with only four bowlers.
“We only think of taking the game as forward as possible so that we (bowlers) should also recover because we are bowling long spells and fielding. The more we are able to recover the fresher we will be for the second innings,” Siraj explained.
The Indian fast bowler secured four wickets in 21.1 overs during the first innings, while spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja contributed with two wickets each.
“If he had spent more time on the field, it would have posed a challenge for us”- Siraj on Root’s wicket
In reply to India’s first-innings total of 445, England were in a favorable position at 224/2. However, Joe Root (18) was dismissed while attempting a reverse scoop off Jasprit Bumrah. This dismissal led to a batting collapse, resulting in England losing eight wickets for 95 runs.
Siraj acknowledged that Root’s wicket had significant implications for the game, as India ultimately gained a lead of 126 runs.
“Ben Duckett’s partnership was growing with Root, if he (Root) had played a little more, then it would have been difficult for us. But suddenly he (Root) played that shot which didn’t look (like one) to be played.”
”But it turned out good for us and after that (Ben) Foakes and Ben Stokes had a good partnership, and then Stokes played a shot (which got him out) and we got into the game from there,” the pacer commented.
On Day 4 in Rajkot, India will recommence their second innings with Shubman Gill at the crease with a score of 65, and Kuldeep on 3.
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