Emerging fast bowler Mohammed Siraj on Monday exemplified India’s “extraordinary” efforts through a heavy-duty tour that could yet have its greatest moment.
Sunil Gavaskar, the Indian batting legend and former captain, said this would be a trip that would long be remembered by the tourists, for they had overcome several hurdles, including crashing to their lowest score ever in a heavy first Test defeat, the loss of skipper Virat Kohli after that match, a swag of injuries, which meant 20 players have taken to the field, and even racist taunts in Sydney.
Siraj has also had to deal with the death of his father just after the tourists arrived in Australia. He opted to stay, despite being given the opportunity to head home to be with his family.
A star is born: India’s Mohammed Siraj. Credit:Tertius Pickard, AP
The home side had been expected to prevail but the tourists’ remarkable fighting ethos has meant the series, locked at one win apiece, remains on a knife edge heading into the final day of the fourth and final Test. India are chasing 328 for victory but can also retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by surviving the day.
