In the theatrical drama of Test cricket, where the pitch is a stage, Mohammed Siraj delivered a spellbinding performance on the opening day of the second Test between India and South Africa in Cape Town. The fast bowler’s relentless attack left the Proteas in disarray, setting the tone for an eventful day that witnessed a total of 23 wickets tumbling across three innings.
Choosing to bat under the sunny skies, South Africa faced an early setback as Siraj, with his fiery pace and immaculate line, sent opener Aiden Markram back to the pavilion in just the fourth over. What followed was a rapid collapse, orchestrated by Siraj, as the home side crumbled within 24 overs.
In an unchanged nine-over spell, Mohammed Siraj weaved a web of brilliance, claiming six wickets at the expense of a mere 15 runs. His mastery was evident in five dismissals caught behind the stumps, showcasing not just raw speed but also a remarkable control over the off-stump channel. The Newlands pitch, known for offering bounce and swing, became a canvas for Siraj’s artistry as he forced false shots from the batsmen with surgical precision.
Reflecting on his unexpected success, Siraj admitted that he hadn’t anticipated such assistance from the pitch. The sunny conditions contradicted the pitch’s behavior, yet Siraj’s ability to work in partnership with Jasprit Bumrah and maintain consistent pressure proved pivotal.
“We (him and Jasprit Bumrah) bowled in partnerships and bowled many maidens unlike in the last Test match. Bowling so many maidens did create pressure,” said Mohammed Siraj on BCCI.tv.
Mohammed Siraj strategy
Siraj’s strategy involved focusing on the release rather than relying on hitting the deck, allowing him to extract maximum assistance from the track. “Release was a better bet on this wicket,” he remarked, emphasizing the effectiveness of hitting the right areas.
Acknowledging the role of communication, Mohammed Siraj credited wicketkeeper KL Rahul for offering valuable advice on the correct length. This collaborative effort contributed to Siraj’s impactful nine-over burst, which included three maidens.
Offering insights into the challenges posed by the unpredictable pitch, Mohammed Siraj cautioned against trying too many variations. “If you hit areas, wickets will come automatically,” he advised, emphasizing the importance of sticking to a consistent line.
Siraj’s exceptional performance marked a stark contrast to the previous Test in Centurion, where he felt the weight of conceding runs. Learning from that experience, he recognized the pitfalls of trying too hard and focused on simplicity, leading to a remarkable turnaround.
As South Africa ended the day at 62/3, trailing by 36 runs, Siraj remained pragmatic about the team’s approach. “We have to get them out for as less as possible,” he remarked, refusing to make predictions for the second day.
In Cape Town, Mohammed Siraj masterful display emerged as a defining act, leaving an indelible mark on the Newlands stage.
