Mohd Siraj, who has been named in India's Test squad for the fifth rescheduled Test against England, which will be held in Birmingham from July 1 to 5, believes he will need to work hard in the coming weeks to improve his form and fitness in order to bowl consistently long spells in the five-day game.
Siraj had a lacklustre Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season with Royal Challengers Bangalore and is hoping to rebound with the red ball. Siraj will be hoping to do well enough in England to gain a shot in white-ball cricket as well, with the T20 World Cup coming up later this year in Australia.
"The IPL had a rough season this year. My graph had been rising for the previous two seasons, but it has now started to fall. But then I look back over the last two years and see what I've accomplished. This year has been a trying time for me, but I am determined to make a good comeback by working hard. I'll focus on my skills and believe in my abilities "On the sidelines of an event in Mumbai on Wednesday evening, Siraj addressed the reporters.
With a five-wicket haul in the second innings of the fourth and final Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21, the Indian bowler was the star performance for India. The series was won by India 2-1, and it will now be included in the documentary web series 'Bandon Mein tha Dum.'
Siraj stated he's excited to bowl with the Dukes ball in the Pataudi Trophy 2021/22 series' fifth and final match, which was postponed because to a Covid-19 outbreak in the camp.
With the World Test Championship scenario in mind, the Hyderabad pacer believes the fifth and final game of the series, which India leads 2-1, will be crucial.
"My Test preparations are going swimmingly. The Dukes ball is used in England; it is always good to bowl there under English conditions, and it is beneficial to bowlers. We are leading 2-1 in this Test, which is crucial for us. It's great that the Test has been rescheduled, and we're certain (that we'll do well) now that we're in the lead; it's a great feeling "He went on to say.
"I'll be focusing on my fitness and training on the ground near my house. Moving from T20 to Test cricket is a major step up, and I'll have to improve on my consistency and rely on my strength to bowl such extended spells in Test cricket "Siraj remarked.