While the squad was practising at the WACA Ground in Perth, star Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj shared a humorous interaction with bowling coach Morne Morkel. Notably, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) provided spectators with peeks of the three-day match simulation practice.
Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and Morne Morkel examined the team's three-day practice in great detail in a special video, highlighting the players' dedication. In the video, Mohammad Siraj amusingly appeared and stood behind the bowling coach as he listened to Morkel closely as he described the day's events on camera. A few seconds later, Morkel recognized the India seamer, referring to him as a "legend" and discussing his significance in the forthcoming series.
Morkel on Siraj
"This man is a legend. He’s got a big heart, aggressive mindset, one of the leaders of the attack and I’m very excited to see how he goes in this tour. Last tour, he was the go-to man in tough situations and we’re excited to see more of that senior role coming out in him on a very important tour," said Morkel in a video released by the BCCI.
Siraj made his Test debut in the second Test in Melbourne and had an outstanding series during the 2020–21 tour of Australia.
With 13 wickets from six innings at an average of 29.53 and an economy of 2.85, the right-arm seamer ended the series as India's best wicket-taker. In the second innings of the fourth Test in Brisbane, he took five wickets and bowled out Australia for 294 runs.
"Yeah, I think we’re on track for 22nd. So another three training sessions left. We’ll sit down this afternoon or tomorrow and start planning and looking at game plans and how we’re going to bring out the best in each and everyone for game time on the 22nd," said Morkel.
