Bumrah’s high praise for fellow paceman Mohammed Siraj

The first day of Melbourne Test belonged to the Indian bowlers who put their best feet forward to restrict host Australia on 195 before the batsmen shaved 36 off the score at the loss of just one wicket.

Jasprit Bumrah, who was the top wicket-taker for Team India, in the first innings, spoke about a variety of subjects including an impressive performance by debutant pacer Mohammed Siraj.

The RCB bowler was effective with his swing bowling and bagged two crucial wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green.

“When we were bowling in the morning there was some moisture on the wicket, so you saw Ashwin and Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) got some spin. Because we wanted to make the most of the moisture, we were trying to use them, he (Ashwin) was getting good bounce,” Bumrah said.

“There were constant discussions going on between bowlers and the captain. The wicket changed after the first session. It got better to bat on in the second session and moisture went away. We were just trying to communicate what kind of lines we wanted to bowl so that we can set the field accordingly. When there was less help, we tried to change the line accordingly.”

“He (Siraj) has worked really hard and come up the ranks. He was eager to bowl in the first session itself. There wasn’t a lot happening after lunch and he (Siraj) bowled with a lot of control,” he said.

Praising Siraj’s effort and his ability to swing the ball in an unlikely condition, Bumrah said, “Suddenly he started getting some movement and wanted to make the best of it. Playing his first Test match, he bowled really well and had confidence of using all his skills. It’s a heartening sign for us and hopefully he will continue doing that.”

Now that India have their nose ahead in the game, how are they planning to approach it further? Bumrah answered at the end of day’s play.

“We don’t want to be conservative in our mindset and be positive. Control the controllables. Not being reckless but playing with confidence will be the motive going forward. We are trying to focus on things that are in our hands. The focus will be on the first session tomorrow,” he said.