One player who will get all praises and plaudits in the Indian team for his terrific performance is undoubtedly pacer Mohammed Siraj. The right-arm bowler has bowled his heart out each time during the five-match Test series. In the fifth Test, he bowled long spells, despite being literally in his last haunches. Siraj's lion-hearted effort was lauded by bowling coach Morne Morkel.
The former South Africa bowler, who himself always gave it his all, stated the India pacer's two wickets on Day Four were Gold Dust, as it just kept the visitors in the hunt on Day Five of the Oval Test. Siraj ended up taking two wickets for 95 runs in his 26 overs.
Speaking during the press conference, after stumps on Day Four, India's bowling coach was quite happy with Mohammed Siraj's performance and said that finally, he is getting the deserved appreciation for his hard work right through the series.
"I'm very happy for Siraj that he's getting the recognition. He's a guy that in the changing room will always lead the way, and I think he's a natural leader, although vocally he doesn't speak a lot," Morkel said during the press conference.
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Siraj is always the first one to put his body on line: Morne Morkel
The former South African bowler further stated that Siraj is always the first one to bowl additional overs despite feeling burned out. Be it first over or 30th, the veteran bowler always gives it all for India.
"I think he leads a lot of actions in this series. So far, he's done it with the ball at times that we've needed somebody to put his hand up and create something, even if it was bowling an extra two overs, three overs, or creating an opportunity for us; he's been that guy. So he's put in the effort, and it's just nice to see the rewards," he continued.
Morkel also said that India is still in the hunt due to Siraj's terrific spell of fast bowling. Harry Brook and Joe Root put on a stand worth 195, which almost knocked the stuffing out of the visitors. However, skipper Gill threw the ball to Siraj - and he delivered like he has always been doing this series.
"And today, again, at the backend, stepping up, getting the support behind the team to lift us in the crucial moments. It's those sorts of smart plays that you need. And for me, Siraj has just been outstanding," he concluded.
