India vs Australia | Mohammed Siraj gunning to go in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence

Left-arm pacer Mohammed Siraj was on his way to his usual morning practice when his phone rang and he was notified of his selection in the ODI squad to face Australia in a three-match series. The youngster was shocked at first but later let out a pleasant scream as he revealed the good news to his parents who were in the room. 

The 24-year old has represented the Indian team in three T20Is so far having made his debut for the national side back in November 2017. This will be his first outing with the ODI team under Virat Kohli and the lad from Hyderabad added that he cannot wait to go to Australia and begin practice with the rest of the squad.

“I am very excited. I didn’t expect the call-up. I was numb for a few seconds and then I shouted at the top of my voice and hugged my parents. It is my maiden ODI call-up and I am really happy. It is my maiden call-up in ODIs. I just want to go (to Australia) and make it count. I have been waiting for this opportunity for so long. I was mentally prepared that the day I will get the opportunity, I will grab it with both hands. I am really thankful that I am able to impress the selectors. I will not let them and my fans down,” Siraj told Timesofindia.com in an interview.

Siraj, who has also been drafted into the squad that will play New Zealand post the Australia tour, will serve as a direct replacement for in-form pacer Jasprit Bumrah who has been given some rest by the Indian selectors. Bumrah was also rested for the tour of New Zealand after he played a key role in India’s historic Test series win in Australia. The 24-year-old pacer was the joint highest wicket-taker along with Australia's Nathan Lyon with 21 wickets in the four-match series which India won 2-1.

“I am ready to take up the responsibility in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence. I am ready to handle the pace department. He (Bumrah) was just amazing in the Test series. He is our star bowler. There will be lots of expectations from me in his absence and I am ready for the series,” Siraj added.