Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has showered praise on Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj for his exceptional display in the World Test Championship final against Australia at the Kennington Oval in London. Despite Australia’s strong batting performance in the first two days, Ponting lauded Siraj’s unwavering determination on the field.
Siraj made an immediate impact by dismissing Usman Khawaja for a duck early in the match after India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, elected to field under overcast conditions. Although he couldn’t claim another wicket on Day 1, the fast bowler made significant breakthroughs in the Australian batting lineup on the second day. Siraj’s impressive figures of 28.3-4-108-4 made him the standout bowler for the Indian team.
Ponting commended Siraj for his unwavering commitment and fierce competitive spirit. He admired Siraj’s relentless attitude, labeling him as the ultimate competitor. Ponting acknowledged that Siraj sometimes gets carried away, but stressed the importance of having such players in the team during challenging moments.
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Furthermore, Ponting highlighted Siraj’s consistent pace throughout the innings, consistently clocking speeds ranging from 86 to 87 miles per hour. He considered this a testament to Siraj’s exceptional work ethic and positive mindset.
Siraj’s four-wicket haul included dismissals of Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon. His remarkable performance has garnered recognition and praise from both fans and cricketing experts alike.