“Mohammed Siraj Is Like Virat Kohli”: Josh Hazlewood Praises Indian Pacer
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood praised Mohammed Siraj. He said Siraj’s passion and energy are like Virat Kohli’s. Hazlewood, who shared a dressing room with Siraj at RCB in the IPL, called him RCB’s best bowler and a fierce rival.
Siraj made news for a heated exchange with Australia’s Travis Head in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval. The Indian speedster dismissed Head after he hit him for a four and a six. This sparked a fiery send-off that Head claimed crossed the line. Siraj, however, denied the accusation, maintaining his intensity on the field.
Hazlewood on Siraj’s Passion and Leadership
Hazlewood spoke to Perth Now about Siraj. He praised his passion and ability to energize the crowd.
“I had a blast with him at RCB. He is the leader of their bowling attack. He is like Virat Kohli when it comes to passion and getting the crowd up. He has been bowling well in the Indian Premier League and is a good character. It is good to see him,” Josh Hazlewood said to Perth Now.
Siraj’s performances in the ongoing series have been equally impressive. He took five wickets in the series opener in Perth. Then, he took four wickets in Adelaide. This cemented his reputation as one of India’s top fast bowlers.
Siraj’s Heated Exchange with Travis Head
The tension between Siraj and Travis Head became a key talking point during the second Test. Head had been scoring freely against the Indian bowler. He lashed out after his dismissal. He alleged that Siraj’s send-off was disrespectful. However, Siraj dismissed these claims. He said he played by the spirit of the game.
Hazlewood Updates on His Fitness
Josh Hazlewood missed the Adelaide Test with a side strain. He updated his availability for the third Test in Brisbane.
“A lot will depend how my body holds up in the next 24 hours. The intensity has to reach the top level. I would have played the Adelaide Test if it was the last game of the summer. I would have been in bad shape after the game even though it was a short match. I was not fit,” he added.
With Hazlewood absent, Scott Boland stepped up. He took five wickets in a match-winning, 10-wicket victory for Australia.
Key Stats from the Series So Far:
- Mohammed Siraj: 5 wickets in the Perth Test, 4 wickets in Adelaide.
- Scott Boland: 5 wickets in the second Test, replacing Hazlewood.
- Adelaide Test Result: Australia defeated India by 10 wickets.
