Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj expressed his delight at bowling on a green pitch, a rare occurrence in India, after his impressive four-wicket haul dismantled the West Indies batting order on the opening day of the Test. Siraj, crucial in India`s 2-2 series draw against England, picked up right where he left off two months ago, securing figures of 4/40 on a vibrant wicket, leading to West Indies` dismissal for 162 runs in 44.1 overs.
Following captain Shubman Gill`s preference for neutral pitches over spinning tracks for home Tests, Siraj spearheaded India`s bowling attack, positioning the team strongly by the end of the first day`s play.
At stumps on Day 1, India stood at 121 for two wickets in their first innings, trailing the West Indies by 41 runs with eight wickets remaining.
“I was extremely eager to bowl on this green-top wicket, a type of surface we rarely encounter in Test cricket back home in India. The last time we saw a pitch like this was in Bengaluru against New Zealand, so my excitement was palpable.”
Although much of the lush green grass on the pitch was trimmed before the match, it still offered significant support for the new ball bowlers. Siraj effectively utilized his wobble seam technique, claiming three crucial wickets during the morning session, thereby dictating the pace of the game for the Indian side.
He spectacularly dislodged Brandon King`s middle stump after the West Indies` number four batsman decided not to play at a delivery. Later, he accounted for captain Roston Chase with a well-angled ball.
Siraj admitted that the ball he bowled to dismiss Chase even surprised him. He explained, “When bowling with a wobble seam, the ball usually either comes in or moves away. However, that specific delivery maintained a straight trajectory from its shiny side, despite being bowled with a wobble seam.”
Regarding King`s wicket, the Indian seamer stated, “I executed my plan perfectly. Two deliveries prior, he was struck on the pads. I decided to aim at the stumps, and I successfully delivered precisely what I had envisioned.” Fresh from a demanding series in England where his consistent performance contributed to India`s 2-2 draw, the paceman revealed a boost in confidence from his success against a formidable opponent on their home turf.
“The series in England was highly competitive, and it certainly gave me a lot of confidence. Performing well against a strong opposition provides a unique sense of self-assurance, which I also felt keenly today.”
“I had a three-week break, after which I recommenced training, bowling, and played an India A match. Playing after an extended period helps you rediscover your bowling rhythm. Despite the intense heat in Lucknow, I managed to prepare well for this series. I maintained the rhythm I found during the England tour, and I truly savored this rare break I received after many years,” he elaborated.
“Achieving these four wickets here also required considerable effort. Similarly, in England, I had to toil for my wickets; they don`t just come easily. Nobody handed me a fifth wicket today; I earned all four through sheer hard work,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, West Indies` Jomel Warrican acknowledged his team`s inability to seize crucial moments during the game, stressing the need for greater discipline in their future performances.
“We simply couldn`t capitalize on the game`s pivotal moments. It`s imperative that we start seizing those opportunities. For instance, we had a significant partnership between Shai Hope and Roston Chase right before lunch, but then we allowed India to regain control. As a team, this is an area we must improve, and we are committed to learning from this experience moving forward.”
He concluded, “Discipline is paramount for us right now. Our first innings total on Thursday wasn`t substantial, so as a bowling unit, we must be incredibly disciplined and adhere to our strategies for as long as possible.”
