NEWS
Follow UsMohammed Siraj is steadily starting to make a name for himself in red-ball cricket. The right-arm paceman from Hyderabad made his Test debut during the tour of Australia and picked up 13 wickets in Tests at an average of 29.54. India managed to defeat Australia 2-1 and Siraj ended up as their leading wicket-taker.
"The Australia series taught me a lot. Playing under Ajju bhaiya (Ajinkya Rahane) was amazing. He backed me a lot. I still get goosebumps when I recall that day. Holding the winning trophy and celebrating with the team is a different feeling altogether," Siraj told Times of India.
"I am confident that we will beat England the way we defeated Australia. I am not nervous, I am confident. We have stars in our team."
The 27-year-old also featured in two Tests against England at home but was left out of the playing XI for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand. The home series was dominated by Axar Patel and R Ashwin but Siraj managed to dismiss the likes of Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow and Ollie Pope.
"I am confident India will beat England under Virat bhaiya's captaincy. I am eager to hold the winning trophy with Virat bhaiya in England. Our team is looking so strong and we are ready for this big series.
"Joe Root is England's best batsman. I am targeting his wicket and there are others too who I want to target. I dismissed Root during the home series and he is part of my plan of action. My aim is to take as many wickets for my team as possible."
The first Test will get underway from Wednesday (August 4) at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.