Mohammed Siraj: From Struggles to Rediscovery

Mohammed Siraj, after a challenging home season where he managed just six wickets from four Test matches, has found a renewed sense of purpose in Australia. Reflecting on his recent struggles, Siraj admitted that he had lost the joy in his bowling. During a practice match against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra, he shared his thoughts, explaining that his lack of enjoyment had prompted deep introspection.

He noted how, in India, spinners dominate the bowling workload, leaving fast bowlers with limited opportunities to take wickets. This situation had left him frustrated. However, he now feels rejuvenated and is rediscovering the fun in his craft.

"I spoke with Bharat Arun sir, that this is what's happening to me," Siraj said. "Because he has known me for a while, and he has seen my bowling from a long time back. So he just told me to enjoy and not run after wickets. Just enjoy and you'll get wickets. And before travelling, I met [fielding coach] Dilip sir in Hyderabad, and we practised together as well. So it felt good and now I'm enjoying."

With advice from fielding coach Dilip and current bowling coach Morne Morkel, who constantly encourages him by calling him a "warrior," Siraj feels confident again.

The pink ball, used during the practice game, presented a unique challenge for Siraj. While adapting to its synthetic texture and hard seam, he delivered an economical spell of 7-1-18-1. He believed he had claimed an additional wicket when Jack Clayton appeared to edge one to the keeper, but the umpire ruled it as a deflection off the thigh pad. Nevertheless, Siraj relished the experience and noted the importance of bowling back of a length to make the most of the pink ball's properties.

Looking ahead to the day-night Test in Adelaide, Siraj shared his excitement about practising under lights, where the pink ball is known to swing more. He expressed confidence that regular practice would fine-tune his approach and improve his effectiveness.

While Jasprit Bumrah took the spotlight in Perth, Siraj, alongside Harshit Rana—who bowled a fiery spell at the Manuka Oval—played a key role in maintaining pressure from the other end.

"I always keep talking to Jassi," Siraj said. "Even before the first match, I spoke with him about what I was going through. And he just told me one thing - don't run after wickets, just keep bowling consistently in one area and enjoy your bowling. If you still don't get wickets, then you come ask me. So I enjoyed my bowling and I got wickets as well."

"Australia is a place where a fast bowler enjoys because you get pace and bounce. As a fast bowler, you get everything you want. So you get a different kind of confidence to come and enjoy your bowling here."