Mohammed Siraj has emerged as a standout performer for the Indian team in the WTC Final against Australia, picking up four crucial wickets. The fiery fast bowler displayed his usual aggressive nature on the field, notably during a confrontational moment with Steve Smith. Reflecting on Siraj’s contribution, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting expressed his admiration for the young talent.
Ponting acknowledged that while Siraj sometimes lets his emotions get the better of him, having such players in the team is essential, especially during challenging times. He commended Siraj for stepping up and taking the responsibility to turn things around for India. Ponting also highlighted Siraj’s impressive consistency in terms of pace throughout the innings, with his speed hovering around the 86-87 mph mark.
Day 3 Preview:
India faces a daunting challenge in the World Test Championship Final against Australia as they trail by 318 runs after the Aussies posted a formidable first-innings total of 469 at The Oval. The responsibility now falls on the batting duo of Ajinkya Rahane and KS Bharat to provide some respite and help India narrow the gap.
Rahane, making a comeback after being dropped in March 2022, displayed resilience during his 29-run innings off 71 deliveries. Bharat, who joined Rahane at the crease after Ravindra Jadeja’s dismissal, is currently on 5 runs off 14 balls.
India’s hopes rely on Rahane and Bharat, as they face the formidable Australian bowling attack. The Indian tailenders have a reputation for frustrating opponents, offering a glimmer of hope for the team.
However, Australia remains the favorite to establish a commanding lead and move closer to claiming the world title. The Australian bowlers have all contributed with a wicket each, showcasing their collective effort and ability to maintain pressure.
Rahane’s struggles after being hit on the hand and Bharat’s challenging start further add to India’s concerns. Overcoming a potent bowling lineup is a herculean task, but cricket has witnessed remarkable comebacks in the past.