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MUMBAI: Pacer Mohammed Siraj could not perform the last rites of his late father last month as he was in Australia with the national team but he made him proud by making India Test debut in Melbourne, his family said on Saturday.
The 26-year-old Siraj lost his father Mohammed Ghaus, an auto-rickshaw driver in Hyderabad, on November 20, around a week after the Indian team landed in Australia and he could not return home due to COVID-19 restrictions.
His brother Ismail said it was his late father’s dream to see Siraj play for the country in Tests and finally the dream was fulfilled on Saturday at the MCG.

“It was my (late) father’s dream that Siraj should represent India in Tests … he always wanted to see him (Siraj) in blue and white jersey to represent the nation, so our dream got fulfilled today,” Ismail told PTI from Hyderabad.
The family members were glued to the television since 4am to watch the proud moment of Siraj playing for the country in a Test. He has already played one ODI and three T20 Internationals.

“Since the team was announced yesterday, we knew that he was going to make debut. We did not sleep the entire night, we switched on TV from 4am,” said Ismail, a software professional who now works as his brother’s manager.
So, what were their thoughts when Siraj did not bowl in the opening session.
“We were waiting eagerly when he will bowl … intezaar badhte jaa raha tha (our wait was getting longer) … but after lunch break he started the first over and (the wait) ended,” Ismail said.

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In Pics: Jasprit Bumrah, R Ashwin decimate Australia for 195 on Day 1

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A resilient India bounced back from their embarrassing first Test exploits to bundle out Australia for just 195 and take an upper hand on Day 1 of the second Test in Melbourne on Saturday. (AP photo)

After a horror show in Adelaide last week, where India lost by 8 wickets and were skittled for 36 in their second innings, the tourists were desperate to start well. (AP photo)

On a pitch offering turn and bounce, Australia, after opting to bat first, found it hard going against a high-quality attack led by Jasprit Bumrah (4-56), R Ashwin (3-35) and debutant Mohammed Siraj (2-40). (PTI photo)

With Ajinkya Rahane captaining the side in place of Virat Kohli, who has returned home for the birth of his first child, India got off to a perfect start, getting Joe Burns (0), Matthew Wade (30) and Smith (0) before lunch. (AP photo)

Dangerman Smith was undone by Ashwin for an 8-ball duck, his first after 52 Test innings and four years. (Getty Images)

Marnus Labuschagne (48) looked set for a ninth half-century but a brilliant catch by Shubman Gill ended his vigil and handed Siraj his first Test wicket. (AFP photo)

All-rounder Cameron Green ground out 12 before he too fell to Siraj, then an excellent catch by Hanuma Vihari off Ashwin accounted for Tim Paine (13). (AP photo)

Nathan Lyon hit a cameo 20 but Australia’s tail otherwise failed to wag. (AFP photo)

With 40 minutes to negotiate at the end of the day, opener Mayank Agarwal was not up to the task, trapped lbw by a Mitchell Starc in-swinger in the first over. (AP photo)

Gill (28*) was dropped on five by Labuschagne but otherwise looked comfortable, smacking 5 boundaries to help steer India to 36/1 at close of play. Cheteshwar Pujara, at the other end remained unbeaten on 7. (AP photo)

“It was a proud moment for us,” he said, adding it was an emotional moment for the family members who resides in Hyderabad.
Siraj returned with figures of 2/40, claiming the wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Cameroon Green.
Ismail said Siraj did speak to his mother after the day’s play.
“I chatted with him through messages, I did not disturb him much as he was tired and there is again play tomorrow. However, he called up Ammi (mother),” Ismail said.

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