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Xtra Time Web Desk: Royal Challengers Bangalore fast bowler Mohammed Siraj may have just ticked the boxes at the right time to claim a stake in the Indian test ball squad for the tour to Australia later this year. The bowler from Hyderabad produced a brilliant spell of fast bowling against the Kolkata Knight Riders, bowling two consecutive maidens inside the 1^st Powerplay at Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.  

He picked the wickets of Rahul Tripathi and Nitish Rana in his first over without conceding a run. He followed it with another maiden and also saw the back of Tom Banton. His figure at the end of Powerplay read 3-2-2-3 as KKR was reduced to 17/4. Eoin Morgan’s boys could only manage 84/8 at the end of 20 overs with the KKR Captain top scoring with 30 runs off 34 balls.

The RCB management preferred to pick Siraj ahead of Shahbaz Ahmed and that move proved to be a masterstroke.

According to Mike Hesson, , RCB director of cricket operations, "We thought Siraj was a good option on this surface. We thought he could get a wicket or two with the new ball but not three."

Siraj came out with flying colours on the faith reposed on him by the RCB team management. He eventually ended up giving 8 runs from his 4 overs and picking three wickets.