London: Ever since his Test debut in Australia last year, Mohammed Siraj has been earning praises from cricket fans all around the world. Saturday was no different as the right-hand pacer was the pick of Indian bowlers with 4/94 in his 30 overs at the Lord’s.
However, what caught everyone’s eye was the way he celebrated all four times by putting his fingers on his lips. While some criticised the celebration, few found it interesting. Finally, the bowler put an end to all the speculations when he opened up about his famous ‘finger on lips’ celebration.
“This story of celebration is for the haters (critics) because they used to say a lot of things about me, like he cannot do this and cannot do that. So, I will only let my ball do the talking and hence this is my new style of celebration,” Siraj said at the virtual post-day press conference after the match.
Breakthrough! 👏 👏
A short ball from @mdsirajofficial does the the trick as #TeamIndia scalp the 4th England wicket! 👌 👌
Jonny Bairstow departs for 57. #ENGvIND
Follow the match 👉 https://t.co/KGM2YELLde pic.twitter.com/LKBVMvOTLb
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 14, 2021
“I did not actually notice what happened but nothing (offensive) was said by the public. It was important to play with four fast bowler, because we have taken three wickets at the start and our fast bowlers were effective and bowling consistently in one area.”
Siraj also spoke on the importance of fast bowlers in these conditions where there is something for them throughout the day and opined that the plan was to be consistent and bowl in one area.
“Fast bowlers play an important role in England. We were bowling at consistent lengths. Our plan was to bowl consistently at one length. I was looking to bowl at one spot consistently even during my Ranji Trophy days. My simple plan was to not try much hit at one spot consistently,” he further added.
