WTC 2023: 'Aggression Is Very Important In My Bowling'- Mohammed Siraj

image-liq8ommdSiraj with his Indian mates after a wicket (AP Photo)

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj asserted that aggression is a big part of his bowling in Test match cricket, adding that the longest format of the game is all about hostility.

Siraj breathed fire in Australia's 2nd innings with his relentless line-and-length, often having the likes of Marnus Labuschagne jumping around by getting the ball to lift off good length.

He dismissed David Warner by enticing him to drive, while constantly asking questions from Usman Khawaja outside the off-stump from over wicket.

Siraj has emerged as the leader of the Indian attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, and his deep cold stare at the batsmen every time he troubles them is quickly becoming a part of folklore.

Speaking to the ICC, Siraj said that Test cricket is all about aggression, and its this very nature of his that allows him to concentrate and bowl well.

He also opened up about his fairytale cricketing journey:

 "Aggression is very important in my bowling. Test cricket is all about aggression. It is not about delivering simple balls and leaving without saying anything. Unlike some bowlers who bowl here and there because of aggression, my bowling is precise. The more aggressive I am, the more success I get."

"I used to play a lot of tennis-ball cricket. I never thought I could be an Indian player. I used to give my 100 per cent in those matches. When I started playing in the league, it was the first time that I touched a leather ball. I did not know anything about swing and inswing. But I still took five wickets on my debut. Slowly, my confidence grew as I played. It never crossed my mind that I would play for India, but I kept enjoying the game," said Siraj.

Siraj finished with 5 wickets across both innings in the WTC final.