New Delhi: Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has heaped the ultimate praise on India pacer Mohammed Siraj by hailing him for his never-say-die attitude. Ali, who has played against Siraj several times on the international stage, lauded the Indian bowler’s ability to step up in the face of adversity and said that’s what sets him apart from the rest and makes him a difficult proposition for any batter.
With 23 wickets in his kitty, Siraj finished as the highest wicket-taker in India’s five-Test series in England. The Hyderabad pacer played a key role in helping India win the final Test at the Oval and forcing a 2-2 draw in a hard-fought series.
He picked up nine wickets at the Oval, including a five-for in the second innings. With three wickets to his name out of four to fall on the final day, Siraj tilted the match in India’s favour and was deservedly named Player of the Match. The right-arm pacer fittingly took the match-winning wicket, rooting out Gus Atkinson’s off stump when England were six runs away from a daunting target of 374.
“World class Siraj is a genuine match-winner”
“Siraj has been outstanding in the England series. The energy, aggression, and consistency he brings with the ball is world-class. He’s matured into a genuine match-winner for India, and it’s always a challenge for batsmen facing him,” said Moeen in a release from GFS Developments.
“What impresses me most is his ability to control the ball. He’s got a big heart and never backs down – that’s what makes him so special. Credit to him for the impact he’s making,” he added.
Siraj played all five Tests against England and bowled a whopping 185.3 overs. His lionhearted effort drew praise from the cricket fraternity all across the globe. The fact that Siraj emerged from Jasprit Bumrah’s shadow made his effort all the more special