Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer reckons Mohammed Siraj might be pushing the selectors to look at him for the vacant T20 World Cup spot. Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the T20I showpiece with a back injury and it has been reported that either Siraj or Mohammed Shami could replace India’s pack leader.
Siraj scalped three wickets and conceded 38 runs in his quota of 10 overs and he was right on the money in the death overs. The right-arm pacer mixed his pace with guile to keep the Proteas batters at bay and impressed throughout the innings.
The fast bowler from Hyderabad accounted for Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, and Keshav Maharaj in his fine spell and played a key role in keeping South Africa at 278 runs. Siraj also broke a 129-run stand between Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram as he dismissed the former.
Mohammed Siraj said while talking to ESPN Cricinfo, “Siraj is somebody who goes after the wickets. He is a very attacking bowler. The way he’s been bowling recently, he might be pushing the selectors to look at him for that one T20 World Cup spot. (Deepak) Chahar is unfit, so don’t know if he’ll be available. Shami and Siraj are probably vying for that spot.”
Siraj only conceded 18 runs in the last four overs he bowled as he was right on the money.
Jaffer said, “He bowled really well in the death. The way he bowled in the last 10 overs made it easier for the Indian batters. They did not have to chase 300, but something close to 280.”
On the other hand, the Indian spinners did a fine job for the team as the trio of Shahbaz Ahmed, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar conceded 163 runs in the 28 overs they bowled collectively.
Jaffer said on the performance of the Indian spinners, “The three spinners did their job really well. I was happy to see Shahbaz Ahmed because he adds a lot of value to this Indian team. Kuldeep has been bowling well. And then Washington – he’s been injured and comes in straightaway; bowls with the new ball. That’s his strength. With him coming in, the tail becomes stronger.”
The third ODI between India and South Africa will be played in Delhi on Tuesday.
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