Irfan Pathan lauds the historic spell of Mohammed Siraj on Day 1 of the 2nd IND vs SA Test. Irfan has pointed out that Mohammed Siraj becomes a deadly bowler when he is on a roll and his outswingers are working properly. In a very short span of time, the speedster has become an inseparable part of the time.
On Wednesday, January 3, India defeated South Africa for a meager 55 runs in their first innings of the second Test in Cape Town, courtesy of Siraj’s 6/15 in nine overs. After being bowled out for 153 in their first innings , the visitors restricted the hosts to 62/3 in their second innings on Day 1 against Stumps.
With Siraj’s majestic spell of 6/15, Mukesh Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah split the remaining four wickets of South Africa. In the second innings against the Proteas, Mukesh claimed two wickets as well; Bumrah accounted for the other.
Mohammed Siraj was exceptional and they maintained pressure from both ends-Irfan Pathan
When Pathan was questioned on Star Sports regarding his opinions of Indian bowling and Siraj in particular, he replied that the Indian team and especially Mohammed Siraj‘s performance were historical.
“This Indian team, and especially Mohammed Siraj, have written their names in the pages of history. New Zealand’s 62 was the lowest total India dismissed a team. They have left that also behind – bowled them out for 55,” said Irfan Pathan.
The former Indian all-rounder added that Team India’s bowling performance was exceptional as they maintained the pressure from both ends and added that when Mohammed Siraj’s outswing works properly, he becomes so lethal.
“The bowling was relentless and they maintained pressure from both ends. Mohammed Siraj – exceptional. There will be celebrations in the entire country if you bowl like this. Whenever Mohammed Siraj’s outswing works properly, he becomes extremely dangerous because he can use the rest of the angles very well,” he added.
David Bedingham felt the bitterness of South Africa’s own medicine-Irfan Pathan
The cricketer-turned-commentator said that De Zorzi’s wicket was slightly lucky for sure, but the way David Bedingham was dismissed by Mohammed Siraj really delighted Irfan Pathan.
“De Zorzi’s wicket was slightly lucky for sure but other than that, if you keep bowling in those areas, the batters will have difficulties. Bedingham felt the bitterness of South Africa’s own medicine – a South African batter was trying to defend and lost his wicket with the ball hitting his gloves,” said Irfan Pathan.
Irfan reflected on the dismissal of Marco Jansen by saying that Siraj got rid of Jansen with a meticulously planned setup. Virat asked him to bowl outswing to him, and he did that and got the wicket of Jansen.
“Marco Jansen’s wicket was a total setup. Virat Kohli asked him to bowl outswing and get him out, he did just that on his second (third) delivery. He got the outside edge. He kept bowling on and around the off-stump, and with a great angle,” he further added.
In conclusion, Pathan said that Siraj and the Indian supporters would remember his spell for a long time. He went on to say that in the Cape Town Test, he bowled with zip, something that was lacking in the first game.
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