‘Crucial series for us’: Confident Mohammed Siraj ready to lead India’s fast-paced attack against South Africa | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj exuded confidence ahead of India’s upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) series against defending champions South Africa, terming it a “crucial” competition in the new WTC cycle.Go beyond borders with our YouTube channel. REGISTER NOW!India, ranked third in the WTC points table, will host South Africa in a two-Test series starting Friday. While the Proteas began their title defense with a 1-1 draw in Pakistan, India are buoyed by their recent success – a drawn series in England followed by a home victory against the West Indies.
ALSO READ:WTC race heats up – India aim for crucial points at home against South Africa“This series is crucial for the new WTC cycle, especially since South Africa are the defending champions,” Siraj said in an interview with JioStar. “Even though they drew 1-1 against Pakistan, we are confident in our good form: we created a positive environment, performed well in England and won against West Indies.”Siraj has spearheaded India in red-ball cricket over the past year, finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the five-Test series against England with 23 wickets. He carried this form against the Caribbean, taking 10 wickets in two Tests.“Personally, I bowl with good pace and look to make the most of it,” added the Hyderabad-born pacer. “Facing strong teams helps identify areas for improvement, and I’m really excited about this challenge.”As India eye a return to the WTC final after finishing runners-up in the first two editions, Siraj’s form with the new ball will be vital.
