India’s Mohammed Siraj (R) goes for a walk with an auxiliary staff© AFP
Be confident that Ravichandran Ashwin will always find interesting answers to routine questions. In the virtual press conference after the game on Monday, the Indian off-spinner was asked about the fitness of pacemaker Mohammed Siraj, who left the field towards the end of the first day of the second test match with the Wanderers in Johannesburg. Ashwin said he asked India’s media manager (Anand) if he could speak about Siraj’s injury ahead of the press conference. “So I asked Anand before I went to the press conference if I could talk about it and he said I can,” said Ashwin when asked to provide an update on Siraj’s injury.
The seasoned off-spinner then added that the team management hopes Siraj will recover and do his best for the remainder of this second test.
“The medical staff are examining him overnight and obviously I think it’s very immediate, so initially they just make ice with those injuries and see it for the next hour or two. With the story that Siraj has, I hope he will definitely come out and do his best, “added Ashwin.
Siraj retired just before his throw in the sixth ball of the 17th in South Africa’s first innings. The Indian seaman held onto his hamstring and immediately called the physiotherapist. After a brief discussion, Siraj decided to leave the field. Shardul Thakur finished the over, which turned out to be the penultimate of the day.
At Stumpen, South Africa was 35 for 1 with captain Dean Elgar (11) and Keegan Petersen (14) in the middle. They follow India – 202 in total – by 167 runs.
Funded
When asked about India’s batting in the first innings, Ashwin replied, “(What is a) good overall result in South Africa was difficult, especially in the first innings a good score above maybe 260 or 270, which is about the same as the score.
“South Africa has always beaten first (in the past) and has played over 250 and dominated games. Maybe we’re a little short. But I still think we’ll have our entire bowling arsenal tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed. That can we definitely make something of this sum, “he said.
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