Why Mohammed Siraj was left in tears before the start of Sydney Test

Moahmmed Siraj is an emotional man who wears his heart on the sleeve and gives all that he has. Humble beginnings did not stop the Hyderabad-born from making it big in cricket. Last year during the IPL, he had revealed how it was his father’s dream to see him play Test cricket for India. Siraj’s father passed away in November, but Siraj decided to stay back in Australia to fulfil the dream of his father. And not very long after his son made his Test debut for India.

Ahead of the start of the Sydney Test, cameras captured an emotional Siraj who was in tears even as he sang the National Anthem along with his teammates.

After the end of day’s play, responding to queries from journalists Siraj said that he was thinking about his father when the teams lined-up to sing the anthem.

“Just remembered my father at that time. I was really emotional. He wanted me to see playing Test cricket.

“Wish he could see me playing for India.”

It was a moving moment that left everyone emotional, including former cricketers.

A moving moment that left everyone emotional, including the former cricketers.

Siraj provided an early breakthrough to India in the form of David Warner. On a placid pitch where the batsmen had a decent outing later on, the wicket may prove to be crucial in the longer run. Australia were placed handsomely at 166/2 at the end of day’s play. However, Siraj thinks that the team will have to be patient as the game progresses.

“It is very a flat wicket. Our plan was to build pressure and not try too much as it is a very easy wicket for the batsman. Even the bouncers are not carrying as well it was in the earlier games. But Test cricket it is all about patience and we must keep that in mind,” he said.