India vs England: Joe Root calls out the 'fake angriness' of Mohammed Siraj
If one takes note of all the times that the ICC has sanctioned Mohammed Siraj, the pacer would appear as the most aggressive Test bowler in the game currently. Even in the ongoing India vs England series, Siraj was docked a point for his demeanour in the Lord's Test. Not that Siraj hides it. The Indian pacer acts as a menace for the opponents, both with his skills and the aggression that he brings to the field. Fiery send-offs, instigating words, heated staredowns, Siraj tries it all to unnerve the opposition. However, Joe Root is not the kind to get offended by any of it. In fact, while Siraj puts up his best front as an aggressive seamer, Root sees right through it to label it as 'fake angriness'.
Mohammed Siraj gets his due as the underrated workhorse of India in Test Cricket
The India vs England series has been one thrilling spectacle. Running for over a month now, the five-match series has emerged as a defining battle, reflecting the mastery of true Test cricket. The demanding series has witnessed both teams dealing with workload management issues around their bowlers. India has toiled all the way to strategise the use of Jasprit Bumrah, who remained available for only three matches. In Bumrah's absence, the attack fared hot and cold with Prasidh Krishna misfiring and Akash Deep enduring a groin strain midway.
However, Mohammed Siraj emerged as the only constant for the touring side. Dealing with the injuries of Nitish Kumar Reddy, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh along with managing Bumrah, the only player that India did not have to manage was Siraj. No rest demanded, no questions asked, Siraj puts his all every time he takes the field. In the final India vs England Test, his fifth in the series, the seamer scalped a four-wicket haul in the first innings, keeping the cricket score in check. Clearly, the sharpness in his attack has not been compromised despite the heavy workload.
So far in the five-match India vs England series, Siraj has bowled the most overs at 181.2. The tally is set to charge up when the Oval Test resumes on the final day with India needing four wickets. Only Siraj and Chris Woakes turned up as the bowlers to play all five matches in the series when the teams were announced for the final Test. Woakes, unfortunately, injured his left shoulder in the last session of Day 1, as the speedster was ruled out of the remainder of the match. Until his injury, Woakes carried the load for England, bowling 181 overs as Stokes remained subdued in the last innings of the Manchester Test before getting ruled out of the Oval Test with a shoulder injury.
India vs England: Joe Root hails Mohammed Siraj as a 'true warrior'
As the final India vs England Test hangs in the balance, Mohammed Siraj received praise from all corners. India's bowling coach hailed the spirit of the speedster as he revealed that Siraj was upfront about fighting in the final Test as well. The bowling coach hailed Siraj as a 'natural leader', as he highlighted the unmatched qualities that the bowler brings to the contest. Meanwhile, Joe Root from the opponents' corner had nothing but admiration for Siraj.
“He’s a character. He’s a warrior, a real warrior. He’s someone you want on your team; he’s that kind of character. He gives everything for India, credit to him for that," Root remarked. “He tries incredibly hard, he’s a very skilful player, and there’s a reason he’s got the wickets he has. It’s because one, his work ethic, and two, his skill level,” he added.
Mohammed Siraj faced the ICC's brunt for his fiery send-off to Ben Duckett during the Lord's Test. The bowler had been booed by the English crowd almost in every match. And yet, Joe Root is certain that it's only a front put on by Siraj. The seasoned English batter, who scored a ton on Day 4 of the final Test to bring England at the brink of the win, lauded Siraj's passion for the game and the team.
“The way he approaches cricket, he’s got this fake-angriness about him sometimes, which I can see right through. You can tell he’s a really nice lad,” said Root. “I enjoyed playing against him. He’s always got a big smile on his face, and he gives everything for his team. Can’t really want anything more as a fan watching, and a great example to any young player starting out,” he rounded off.
