Ahmedabad: Mohammed Siraj marked his return to competitive cricket in style, claiming four wickets for 40 runs on the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Back in action after nearly two months, the fast bowler once again proved to be India’s strike weapon alongside Jasprit Bumrah, helping bowl out the visitors for just 162.
Siraj revealed that his success has been built on mastering the ‘wobble seam’, a skill he developed when his natural inswing deserted him in 2018.
“In 2018, I automatically started bowling outswing after inswing stopped. While practicing, I realised that with a tilted seam what people call the wobble seam I was getting more success. When there isn’t much swing, wobble seam becomes my most important weapon, and it worked well today,” Siraj explained after stumps.
The Hyderabad pacer, who shouldered responsibility during Bumrah’s breaks in the England series earlier this year, said the recent break was much-needed after an exhausting five-Test campaign.
“It was a very competitive series in England and performing against a strong side gave me a lot of confidence. After that, I took three weeks off before resuming training and playing for India A. Coming back after a gap helps you rediscover your rhythm. I had good preparation in Lucknow despite the heat, and that helped me carry my rhythm into this series,” he said.
Siraj finished the England tour as India’s leading wicket-taker and believes the experience has boosted his self-belief. “Performing in such conditions gives you confidence, and I carried that into today’s performance,” he added.
