BRISBANE: India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah on Monday, heaped praise on fellow speedster Mohammed Siraj for his resilience during the third Border-Gavaskar Test against Australia, underway here at The Gabba until December 18.
Despite a forgetful first innings for his team, the right-arm pacer was clinical with the ball as he returned brilliant bowling figures of 6/76 in his 28 overs.
Besides Bumrah, the rest of the Indian bowling attack struggled against the hosts’ batting lineup.
Siraj, who played a pivotal role in leading India to a historic victory at the same venue in 2021, finished with figures of 2/97 in 23.2 overs.
Despite Siraj’s struggles, Bumrah lauded his compatriot for overcoming a fitness barrier to keep bowling in the first innings.
"In this game, I’ll give him credit, he had a little bit of a niggle but still he kept on bowling and helped the team because he knew if he goes inside and doesn’t bowl, the team will go under pressure,” Bumrah said.
“He’s got a great attitude and he’s got a fighter’s spirit that the team loves. I personally love that. He’s up for a fight and always gives his all for the team.
“In terms of wickets and all, some days you’ll bowl well and the wickets will come. And on some days, you will not bowl well but the wickets will follow. It’s all money in the bank.
“That is the conversation that I’ve had with him: keep focusing on your stuff and the things you can control. Keep running in, keep having a smile on his face. You wanted to play Test cricket, you are doing that, your family is really proud of you. You’re doing something that not many have done before.”
Reflecting on the team's performance, Bumrah urged that India’s bowling unit is going through a transitional period.
"We as a team don’t point fingers at each other. We don’t want to get into that mindset,” he said.
“A lot of new players are coming here. It’s not the easiest place to play cricket. Over here, it’s a different atmosphere, with this wicket being a different challenge.
“As a bowling unit, we are in transition. So it’s my job to help others. I have played little more than them. But again, everyone will learn through it, will get better, and eventually, find different ways. This is the journey that we’ll have to go through.”
After the conclusion of the rain-hit third day, Australia were on top as they had reduced India to 51/4 after setting an imposing first innings total of 445.
