Mum’s call did wonders for Siraj

Brisbane, 18: Mohammed Siraj revealed how a phone call with his mother and the memory of his late father spurred him on to a fivewicket haul in the final Test against Australia on Monday.

Siraj, playing only his third Test, ably deputised for the injured Jasprit Bumrah in Brisbane, where India need a draw to retain the BorderGavaskar Trophy with the series locked at 1-1.

It has been an emotional series for Siraj, who lost his father in November and welled up with tears during the national anthems in Sydney.

“I am very thankful that I got five wickets. It was a very tough situation for me because I lost my dad recently,” said Siraj.

“I called up home and I felt strong after talking to them and to my mother. She motivated me to feel strong. So I was mentally strong and my focus was to make sure my dad's

Jan.

dream comes true.”

Siraj’s father died on November 20 as India prepared for the start of their tour.

‘CRACKS ON GABBA CAN BE CONFUSING’

Siraj sounded a word of caution about the cracks on the Gabba surface creating confusion in the Indian batsmen’s minds on the final day. He believed that there are a few spots on the surface, from where the ball might rear up awkwardly when his team sets out to chase a record target of 328 on Tuesday to win the series against Australia.

“When they bowl, obviously there will be some confusion, it will play in the mind of the batsmen that there are cracks on the pitch but our batsmen are prepared for this. We will come to know only tomorrow,” Siraj said.