India vs Australia: “You will rally around with the team” – Ravichandran Ashwin gives motivational talk to Mohammed Siraj while presenting Test cap

India vs Australia: “You will rally around with the team” – Ravichandran Ashwin gives motivational talk to Mohammed Siraj while presenting Test cap
Shubman Gill with Mohammed Siraj

The first Day of the second Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground saw some fascinating cricket being played. Choosing to bat first, Australia were bowled out for 195 with Jasprit Bumrah picking up four wickets and Ravichandran Ashwin getting three. In reply, India got to 36/1 after losing Mayank Agarwal for a duck in the first over off Mitchell Starc’s bowling.

India had two debutants playing the game and both impressed on Day 1. Mohammed Siraj picked up two wickets including the crucial wicket of the set Marnus Labuschagne for 48. The other debutant, opening batsman Shubman Gill stroked his way to a brisk knock of 28 runs and stayed unbeaten at the end to ensure India got into the dressing room well and truly ahead in the Test match.

‘You have earned this’ – Ashwin to Siraj

As is the custom with regard to debutants, caps were presented to both Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj before the day’s play. Indian head coach Ravi Shastri handed it to Gill while senior player Ravichandran Ashwin did it for Siraj. Addressing Siraj, Ashwin said, ““Coming through First-Class grind and India A grind, you have earned this Test cap. You will rally around with the team throughout this Test match.”

The official handle of the BCCI took to Twitter to post a video of the cap presentation and wrote, “He battled personal tragedy, fought adversity and is now rewarded with India’s Test cap no. 298. Congratulations Mohammed Siraj. Go seize the day!” The personal tragedy that has been referred to is the death of the pacer’s father in November. Despite the same, Siraj decided to stay with the Indian camp in Australia. The 26-year-old was rewarded with a well-deserved Test cap today and he in turn rewarded the management’s faith with an assured performance.

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