Recognition of Siraj thrills bowling coach Morne Morkel: His actions drive the group

India Today

3 days ago

Mohammed Siraj's action drive this group: Morkel praises India's natural leader (PTI Photo) Morne Morkel calls Siraj a natural leader who inspires the team
Siraj has bowled more than 180 overs across five Tests
He leads India's wicket tally with 20 dismissals in the series
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has expressed delight at Mohammed Siraj finally receiving the recognition he deserves, praising the pacer's unwavering commitment and consistency throughout the five-match Test series against England. Morkel described Siraj as a "natural leader" whose actions have inspired those around him and helped drive the team forward during a gruelling summer.
Siraj, who has featured in every Test of the series, leads India's wicket tally with 20 dismissals. Across conditions that have tested bowlers both physically and mentally, the 30-year-old has been a tireless presence, spearheading the Indian attack with pace, skill and unrelenting effort.
"Siraj has been outstanding," Morkel said following the fourth day's play in the final Test at The Oval. "He's a natural leader - doesn't say much, but his actions drive the group. I'm really pleased he's getting the recognition. Whether it's an extra spell or lifting the crowd when things go flat, he gives the team that spark."
Oval Test, Day 4 Highlights | Full Scorecard
Morkel also revealed that Siraj had insisted on playing the fifth Test despite the heavy workload: "He just said, 'I want to play this match, I want to win it for the team.' That's the kind of attitude that wins Tests."
In the ongoing final Test, Siraj has once again delivered a wholehearted performance. Tasked with defending a target of 374, he has bowled with intensity and discipline, keeping England's batters in check. While his return of two wickets may seem modest, his presence has been central to India's spirited fightback.
Remarkably, Siraj has bowled more than 180 overs across nine innings in the series - a rare workload in an era where rest and rotation are closely managed. His determination to feature in all five Tests is a testament to his resilience and commitment to the team.
In England's second innings at The Oval, Siraj has already bowled 26 overs - the most by any Indian bowler in the innings. Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna have sent down 20 and 22 overs respectively. At stumps on Day 4, England were 339 for 6, needing just 35 more runs to secure a 3–1 series win. Jamie Smith (2*) and Jamie Overton (0*) will resume the chase on Monday morning, while India require four wickets - potentially only three if Chris Woakes, nursing a shoulder injury, does not bat - to level the series 2-2.
In a summer that has tested stamina and character, Siraj has emerged not only as a reliable strike bowler but also as a symbol of resolve and professionalism. At a time when 'workload management' has become a focal point of modern cricket, his ability to compete in five consecutive Tests underscores his elite fitness and mental toughness.
For Morkel and the Indian camp, Siraj's contributions have gone far beyond statistics. "I'm thrilled he's getting the credit," Morkel said. "He plays for the badge, and that sort of commitment drives the rest of the team forward."
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has expressed delight at Mohammed Siraj finally receiving the recognition he deserves, praising the pacer's unwavering commitment and consistency throughout the five-match Test series against England. Morkel described Siraj as a "natural leader" whose actions have inspired those around him and helped drive the team forward during a gruelling summer.
Siraj, who has featured in every Test of the series, leads India's wicket tally with 20 dismissals. Across conditions that have tested bowlers both physically and mentally, the 30-year-old has been a tireless presence, spearheading the Indian attack with pace, skill and unrelenting effort.
"Siraj has been outstanding," Morkel said following the fourth day's play in the final Test at The Oval. "He's a natural leader - doesn't say much, but his actions drive the group. I'm really pleased he's getting the recognition. Whether it's an extra spell or lifting the crowd when things go flat, he gives the team that spark."
Oval Test, Day 4 Highlights | Full Scorecard
Morkel also revealed that Siraj had insisted on playing the fifth Test despite the heavy workload: "He just said, 'I want to play this match, I want to win it for the team.' That's the kind of attitude that wins Tests."
In the ongoing final Test, Siraj has once again delivered a wholehearted performance. Tasked with defending a target of 374, he has bowled with intensity and discipline, keeping England's batters in check. While his return of two wickets may seem modest, his presence has been central to India's spirited fightback.
Remarkably, Siraj has bowled more than 180 overs across nine innings in the series - a rare workload in an era where rest and rotation are closely managed. His determination to feature in all five Tests is a testament to his resilience and commitment to the team.
In England's second innings at The Oval, Siraj has already bowled 26 overs - the most by any Indian bowler in the innings. Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna have sent down 20 and 22 overs respectively. At stumps on Day 4, England were 339 for 6, needing just 35 more runs to secure a 3–1 series win. Jamie Smith (2*) and Jamie Overton (0*) will resume the chase on Monday morning, while India require four wickets - potentially only three if Chris Woakes, nursing a shoulder injury, does not bat - to level the series 2-2.
In a summer that has tested stamina and character, Siraj has emerged not only as a reliable strike bowler but also as a symbol of resolve and professionalism. At a time when 'workload management' has become a focal point of modern cricket, his ability to compete in five consecutive Tests underscores his elite fitness and mental toughness.
For Morkel and the Indian camp, Siraj's contributions have gone far beyond statistics. "I'm thrilled he's getting the credit," Morkel said. "He plays for the badge, and that sort of commitment drives the rest of the team forward." Join our WhatsApp Channel