Xtra Time Web Desk: Promising young fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has set a perfect example of giving preference of country over family. Siraj, who lost his father on Friday has decided to stay back in Australia despite the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) giving him the option of flying back and be with his family in this hour of grief.
The fast bowler has decided to stay with the Indian contingent and continue performing his national duties. The BCCI in a statement shared his grief and will be supportive of Siraj in this extremely challenging phase.
The President of BCCI, Sourav Ganguly too lauded the strong character of the pacer from Hyderabad. He tweeted, “May Mohammed Siraj have a lot of strength to overcome this loss..lots of good wishes for his success in this trip.. tremendous character.”
Siraj’s father Mohammed Ghous passed away on Friday. The 53-year-old, who was an autorickshaw driver before Siraj’s cricketing career took flight, lost the battle to a lung ailment. Siraj, who is part of the Indian Test side could not fly back to India for the funeral due to the quarantine rules in place.
Siraj has played one ODI and three T20Is for India. The pacer is yet to take a wicket in the 50-over format, but he has three wickets in T20Is.
Virat Kohli and his boys is slated to play three ODIs (starting November 27) and as many T20Is before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the four-match Tests starts on December 17.