Australian tour was the defining moment of my career – Mohammed Siraj

India’s fast bowler Mohammed Siraj believes the Australian tour was the defining moment of his career. Siraj made his Test match debut against Australia and took giant strides in the Border-Gavaskar trophy.

In fact, the fast bowler from Hyderabad was the leader of the pack in the historic Test match at the Gabba, Brisbane.

Siraj scalped 13 wickets in three Test matches on Australian tour, including a five-wicket haul at Brisbane and finished as India’s highest wicket-taker in the series.

Thus, the fast bowler grew in confidence and the same was palpable in IPL 2021, where Siraj represented Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Siraj snared six wickets in seven matches and bowled with an impressive economy rate of 7.34. The 27-year old was able to nail the yorkers consistently and there is no doubt that he is a different bowler altogether after making his Test debut.

“Obviously, the last Australian tour was the defining moment of my career which resulted in a complete change in my attitude towards bowling,” Siraj told ABP News.

“It is a great feeling to be part of this Indian team which can beat the best on their home soil. Personally, I am enjoying the kind of competition I face for a slot in such a formidable outfit. The best part is that all the seniors are so good and open to giving invaluable tips. This is helping me learn a lot about the art of pace bowling,” said Siraj.

“Honestly, I don’t know whether I will be there in the eleven or not for the WTC final, but I am determined to bowl as well as possible in the run-up to that big game,” he said.

Siraj also heaped praise on Virat Kohli’s leadership as the fast bowler has grown in confidence while playing under Kohli’s tutelage both for India as well as RCB. The right-arm fast bowler has definitely grown in confidence and he has done a fine job so far in his young career.

Siraj has scalped 16 wickets in five Test matches at an average of 28.25.