Following the conclusion of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood expressed admiration for his Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate, Mohammed Siraj. Siraj’s impressive performances in the IPL have garnered praise from Hazlewood. Now, Siraj is set to face Australia in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final, commencing on June 7 at The Oval in London.
India, having suffered a defeat against the Black Caps in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2021, are determined to claim the Test mace in their second consecutive summit clash. On the other hand, Australia is competing in their first-ever WTC final. Mohammed Siraj played a vital role for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 16th edition of the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL). Notably, Siraj showcased improved accuracy during the powerplay and demonstrated control over his line and length in the death overs. While Josh Hazlewood was sidelined with an injury for the initial part of the IPL, Siraj led RCB’s charge in those matches.
Josh Hazlewood praises Mohammed Siraj
Hazlewood commended Siraj, highlighting his exceptional bowling skills and impressive control. The Australian cricketer, aged 32, also mentioned that Siraj consistently met all the criteria expected of a bowler, excelling in every statistical aspect of the game.
“I was a bit late getting there (to RCB this year), but before then he was on fire. His control was great and he is bowling well,” Hazlewood said.
“He is up there at the top of the wickets every time, and the economy rate was probably the thing as bowling at Chinnaswamy (RCB’s home ground) is impossible sometimes and he was going at six or six-and-a-half an over,” he added.
As the IPL 2023 season concluded, Siraj emerged as Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) leading wicket-taker. The 29-year-old claimed a total of 19 wickets from 14 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 7.50. Furthermore, in Test Cricket, he has proven himself with 47 wickets from 33 innings, exhibiting an impressive economy rate of 3.29. Given his track record, Siraj will play a crucial role as an essential member of the Indian team.
