IND vs AUS: India's star pacer Jasprit Bumrah who's been leading the team's bowling attack with most number of wickets in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series revealed that Mohammed Siraj has been struggling with injury during the third Test between India and Australia. Siraj has been bowling with a niggle in Brisbane and his teammate praised the fast-bowler for his fighting spirit.
Siraj bowled 23.2 overs in the first innings, taking two wickets, while Bumrah once again stood out as the best bowler with impressive figures of 6 for 76. Bumrah praised Siraj for his valuable contribution to the team, even while dealing with discomfort.
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"We (Siraj and I) have had conversations but this was the conversation he had with me before we came here (Brisbane). When we came here in Perth, as well as the last game, he looked in very good spirits," Bumrah told reporters after day three. "He was bowling well and he has picked up a fair few of the wickets. In this game, I will give him credit that he had a little bit of a niggle but he still kept on bowling and still helped the team because he knew if he goes inside and he doesn't bowl, then that team will go under pressure.
"So I think he has got a great attitude and he has got a fighter spirit that the team loves," he said.
Siraj looked uncomfortable after pulling up his hamstring while bowling the second ball of the 37th over of Australia's first innings. He later left the field with the physio as Akash Deep completed the over.
The 30-year-old fast-bowler later returned to the field on Day 2 and got the wickets of Australia captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon.
"I personally love that as well, that he is up for a fight and he always gives it all for the team. So I think that is the biggest positive for any cricketer going forward. That he gives it his absolute best on the field. And even when he is not 100% fit, when he has got a niggle, he is still fighting for the team. So that is a great attitude. Keep running in, keep having a smile on your face," Bumrah said.
India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, addressed Siraj's condition after Day 2, reassuring that there was no significant injury and that Siraj was only experiencing cramps.
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"Siraj struggled with cramps early in the day, but for him to keep running in, bowling short balls, and delivering that new ball spell was fantastic," Morkel said to reporters in Brisbane.
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