Mohammed Siraj decodes the dynamics of playing a pink-ball Test ahead of Adelaide challenge

India will be involved in a mighty pink-ball challenge against Australia, with the second Test set to begin in Adelaide on December 6th. The last time these two teams met in a day-night affair, the visitors had quite a few taglines to follow suit. However, under the gritty captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane, India fought back valiantly and wrested the series to make it two in two Down Under.

As India gears up for the mega-challenge, Mohammed Siraj opened up on the dynamics of the pink ball and how much of a difference it truly makes Down Under. He also revealed how India is prepared in a better manner to combat the fury of the Australians in Adelaide.

Talking in a post-match interview at the end of India’s practice Test against Prime Minister XI, Siraj said, “This [pink] ball has a synthetic feeling. This is different to the red ball we play with. There can be a bit of confusion due to the ball, but it's just one match so we just have to focus on that and practice for it and we'll improve day-by-day. The seam is very hard. It's bright, and quite big. The more you practice with it, the better you get.”

He further added, “I think that with the pink ball, it's better to bowl back of length. Because pitching it up, there's not a lot of swing, so the more you hit the deck and get it to seam, it will be better for us. I have heard that the ball swings a lot under the lights but I haven't yet bowled with it under lights. So when we go to Adelaide and practice, we will try that. And the more practice we get, we'll know more about what we have to do."

Siraj also revealed that he has had a chat with India’s captain in the first game, Jasprit Bumrah who told him to focus more on consistency instead of racking up wickets. Siraj stated, “I always keep talking to Jassi bhai [Bumrah]. Even before the first match, I spoke with him about what I was going through. And he just told me one thing - don't run after wickets, just keep bowling consistently in one area and enjoy your bowling. If you still don't get wickets, then you come ask me. So I enjoyed my bowling and I got wickets as well.”

He concluded by talking about the conditions Down Under, adding, “Australia is a place where a fast bowler enjoys because you get pace and bounce. As a fast bowler, you get everything you want. So you get a different kind of confidence to come and enjoy your bowling here."