IND vs ENG 5th Test: 'I love to play for the country, give it all for the country,' says Mohammed Siraj on playing all five Tests vs England
Mohammed Siraj
has opened up about the physical and mental toll of playing all five Tests in the ongoing England series, stating he is driven purely by the passion of representing India. Speaking to
Dinesh Karthik
on Sky Sports after a spirited second day at The Oval, Siraj said, 'I love to play for the country.
To be honest, I am not thinking about whether I will break down or not. In my mind, the plan is simple – give everything and rest will follow.'
With senior pacer
Jasprit Bumrah
released from the squad for the final Test, Siraj was entrusted with greater responsibility — and he delivered. He picked up 4/86 in 16.2 overs, matching
Prasidh Krishna
's 4/62, as India bowled England out for 247 in their first innings. From 129-1, the hosts were reined in with some disciplined fast bowling.
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'I love responsibility. I am missing Jassi bhai because he is the senior bowler and guides us on the field. But when you're given a bigger role, you feel confident. I don't take much pressure. I like to keep things simple,' Siraj added.
Poll
What aspect of Siraj's bowling impressed you the most during the match?
Wicket-taking ability
Discipline in bowling
Ability to handle pressure
Siraj also reflected on his all-round game and his hunger to contribute in every way. 'I bat a lot in the nets so when I don't deliver in the middle, I feel like I've let the team down.'
On the needle in the series and his mental approach, Siraj said, 'I want to give everything for India whenever I'm on the park.
When I go to bed at night, I need to know I have given everything — that will give me a good night's sleep.'
Siraj's wickets included
Joe Root
and Harry Brook, the latter bowled for 53 after an aggressive fifty. Krishna, meanwhile, claimed the key wickets of Crawley, Jamie Smith, Overton, and Atkinson as the tide turned India's way.
India ended Day 2 at 75/2, leading by 52 runs.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
was unbeaten on 51, despite being dropped twice. With England a bowler short following
Chris Woakes
' injury, India head into Day 3 with momentum and a slight edge in the decider.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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