Siraj confirms Bumrah for fourth Test

Ever since chief selector Ajit Agarkar said Jasprit Bumrah will only play three matches while announcing the squad for the England series, every press conference prior to a game has started about the lead pacer’s availability. It was Mohammed Siraj’s turn on Monday and he confirmed his new-ball partner’s participation for the fourth Test, starting on Wednesday in Old Trafford.

“Jassi bhai will play as far as I know, our combination is changing day by day (due to injuries),” said Siraj at a press conference. 

While the spotlight is on Bumrah whether he plays or not, the 31-year-old Siraj has grown on to become the leader of the Indian pace attack in a very understated way.

Now considered primarily a Test bowler, the Hyderabadi is one of the automatic picks in the playing XI, barely missing a game over the last few years. What has endeared him to the fans and critics is his boundless energy, giving it his all, ball after ball, game after game, series after series. Whether he gets wickets or not, Siraj’s intensity and passion never ceases, his energy and enthusiasm being the heartbeat of the bowling attack.

Siraj, always sporting a smile, said playing for the country is a matter of great pride and he can’t catch a sleep if he doesn’t lay it all on the table. “The biggest motivation is to represent the country. When I play for the country, I want to give my 100 percent. I don't want to feel that I missed something that I should have done. I don't want to regret it.

“When I go to sleep, I want to feel that I gave my 100 percent. If I don't get a result in a match, I may get it in the next. I just want to give my best every time.”

During the second Test in Birmingham, where Bumrah was rested as part of the workload management, a graphic displayed by the host broadcaster showed Siraj is more effective when the Gujarat pacer isn’t playing. It was vindicated as Siraj bagged 6/70 in the first innings at Edgbaston, the seamer enjoying leading the attack.

“When I get a responsibility to lead the attack, I feel very proud. When you are handed a responsibility for the country, when you are leading and attacking, it feels very good. I feel very good when I perform. When Jassi bhai was not there in 2023, I was the number one bowler. When you become a leading wicket-taker, it feels different. However, it’s good for the team if Jassi bhai plays.”

Siraj was enraged with himself after he was dismissed by an innocuous delivery from Shoaib Bashir in the Lord’s Test, where India lost by 22 runs.

Siraj berated himself continuously and even punched his bat repeatedly as his 30-ball 4 went in vain. The pacer said he was determined to help India pull off a stunning win but was left heartbroken after his dismissal.

“I am a very emotional person when it comes to such a situation. Because when I got out, if I had won the match, it would have been a 2-1 (in India's favour). At that time, Jaddu bhai (Ravindra Jadeja) fought so well. So after doing so much hard work, I thought we could make it 2-1. We lost, but the series is not over. I will focus more on my batting. Because when we go overseas, the runs of the tail-enders become very important. When we went to Australia last two times, we thought that as much as possible, if we (tail-enders) make a run, that run will be important.”