‘Knew he was going to have a good Test career’ – Dale Steyn on Mohammed Siraj

Legendary cricketer Dale Steyn feels India pacer Mohammed Siraj has the right attitude and skills to perform well in England. Team India are set to play a five-match Test series against the hosts starting on August 04. Widely regarded as one of the best fast bowlers of his time, Steyn went on to dominate the cricketing world against countries, in all conditions. Often he is seen mentoring the upcoming young bowlers not only from South Africa but from other countries too.

 Meanwhile, Siraj had a breakthrough performance with the Indian team during their successful 2020-21 tour Down Under. He picked up 12 wickets and even led the Indian pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test in Brisbane. With momentum and form beside him, the right-arm pacer will look to pick wickets for the team during the England series.

 Steyn feels Siraj can be successful in English conditions as he has the right skill set to tackle the pitches during the five-Test matches. “I think he (Mohammed Siraj) brings a good attitude to the game. That’s another thing we tend to forget when you’re playing in English conditions. It’s not just about where you put the ball but also the attitude you bring, getting in people’s faces, making them play shots they don’t particularly want to play - I think Siraj is somebody who can do that. I saw parts of that little bit of fight when he played in Australia, and I immediately knew he was going to have a good Test career. Don’t forget about the attitude of a fast bowler too.”

 India have a lot of fast bowling options to choose from for the first Test and Steyn believes that Siraj is almost certain to start along with Bumrah. There will be a toss-up between Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav for the third pacer. While Shami has been India's premier fast bowler in Tests, Yadav had a wonderful outing in the warm-up game. Ishant also adds another dimension to India's bowling with his height.