Playing only in his second ODI, on Sunday against the West Indies, Mohammed Siraj was the leader of India’s pace attack as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami were rested while Bhuvneshwar Kumar dropped.
After conceding a couple of boundaries, Siraj had sweet revenge over West Indies opener Shai Hope with the seamer having the last laugh as Hope’s stumps were shattered.
Rohit Sharma, India’s new limited-overs captain, won the toss in the first ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and elected to bowl first. Rohit’s decision was vindicated straightaway by Siraj with an early wicket.
Mohammed Siraj bowled a brilliant maiden first over to Shai Hope, keeping the batter tied down with his tight lines. In his second over, he continued with his outswingers, but went fuller this time.
Hope was ready for it and took two beautiful cover drive boundaries. He had to lean forward to reach the first one; the second one was a bit straighter, but still had enough width for Hope to crash another four.
Mohammed Siraj used his smarts and maturity on the next ball. He got a little straighter and remained full, but this time instead of an away swinger, he bowled the scrambled seam ball that pitched on its seam and jagged in sharply.
The batsman, Shai Hope, expected another outswinger and went for another drive, but with the ball nipping in from the surface, managed only an inside edge as the ball crashed into the stumps. Siraj had his retribution and celebrated with the famous CR7 jump and “Siuuuuu” celebration.
Watch: Siraj castled Hope after being driven for two boundaries
.@mdsirajofficial ???
Evergreen Celebration#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/dY3bwjxFvg
— Jayanth VLK? (@vlkjayanth_1718) February 6, 2022
West Indies routed by Indian spinners
Siraj kept the pressure on from one end, ending his first spell with stunning figures of 5-2-13-1. After Prasidh Krishna failed to make an impression, Washington Sundar was called in early by Sharma.
Sundar, who is making his return to international cricket after a long injury layoff, struck twice in this third over, dismissing Brandon King and Darren Bravo.
Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who had a poor series in South Africa, nipped out two wickets – Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard – in his first over and sent back Shamarh Brooks in his second over. Prasidh returned to account for the dismissal of Akeal Hosein as West Indies slumped 79/7. Jason Holder has once again been tasked with the rebuilding act.
