Xtra Time Web Desk: India’s right arm medium pacer Mohammed Siraj revealed the reason for breaking down during the national anthem at the start of the third test match against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Thursday. The 26 year old tried hard to hide his emotions but ended up in tears, later wiping them using both his hands. The video shared by Cricket Australia has gone viral on social media. Siraj, who made a dream Test debut in the Boxing Day Test picking five wickets from both innings as India won the match by eight wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
On being asked the reason for breaking down during the national anthem, Siraj said, “Just remembered my father at that time. I was really emotional. He wanted me to see playing Test cricket,” Siraj told reporters during virtual press conference post first day’s play.
He added, “I wish he could see me playing for India.”
Siraj’s father passed away on November 20, just after he had travelled with the Indian team for the Tour Down Under. Despite his father’s demise, Siraj stayed back in Australia to fulfil his dream of seeing him play for India.
Meanwhile, it was a tough day for the Indian bowlers in the office, with Australia finishing the rain-curtailed day at 166 for two at stumps with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne in the middle. Siraj said that the wicket was quite flat and it was difficult for bowlers to build pressure.
“It is very a flat wicket. Our plan was to build pressure and not try too much as it is a very easy wicket for the batsman. Even the bouncers are not carrying as well it was in the the earlier games,” said Siraj.