Mohammed Siraj recovered from an expensive opening spell to take two wickets in four balls after asking Shubman Gill for one more over.
Mohammed Siraj produced a strong recovery on Day 1 after a difficult opening spell in the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. The fast bowler conceded 25 runs in his first three overs and was taken out of the attack, but returned later in the session with far better control.
As Shubman Gill considered moving to spin after Siraj bowled three overs in his third spell, the pacer revealed that he asked for one more chance with the ball
“Bas ek over de de… Aur usi over mein do wicket mil gaye (Please give me one more over… and I got a couple of wickets),” Siraj said while speaking to the broadcasters at the end of the day’s play.
The decision paid off immediately. Siraj trapped Kyle Verreynne for 16 with an in-ducker that beat the batter for pace. Three balls later, he produced another sharp delivery to dismiss Marco Jansen.
South Africa Fold for 159
Mohammed Siraj also explained that conditions differed sharply from each end, with the new ball skidding on while the older ball stayed low and encouraged him to target the stumps.
“The new ball came onto the bat nicely. The Older ball was keeping low, so I attacked the stumps and built pressure. When the ball was reversing, it was tough to score off the stumps, especially with a leg-side field. The wider you go, the easier it gets. Bumrah was telling me to keep the lines straight. We’re in a good position, just one wicket down. They started really well before our bowlers hit back,” he added.
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He ended the day with 2 for 47, supporting Jasprit Bumrah, who dominated the innings with 5 for 27 as South Africa were bowled out for 159.
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