‘I wish my father was around to see it’

Pacer Mohammed Siraj celebrates the wicket of Steve Smith during Day 4 of the fourth Test yesterday. Siraj best illustrated India’s never-say-die attitude with his maiden five-wicket haul (5-73) in the Brisbane decider. It has been an emotionally testing tour for the 26-year-old who lost his father in November but stayed on to make his Test debut in Melbourne. “I’m grateful I got this opportunity to play for India and managed a five-for. I wish my father was around to see it. It was tough after he passed away. I spoke to my family and gained strength after talking to my mother. My focus was to fulfil my father’s dream of me playing a Test match for India,” an emotional Siraj told a video conference. PHOTO:BCCI