India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel and fiery pacer Mohammad Siraj have been in the limelight ahead of the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia with the opening of the five-match Test series at the Optus Stadium in Perth from November 22.
As the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is set to begin this week, the Indian cricket team is sharpening its skills with an intensive training camp at the WACA in Perth.
However, India’s focus is on grueling practice sessions and preparation for the Test series, but a heartwarming moment between Morne Morkel and Mohammed Siraj is now making headlines.
Heartwarming moment between Mohammed Siraj and Morne Morkel turns into discussion of India’s Sarhad-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 preparations
The Indian cricket team has been engaging in everything from rigorous drills to simulated matches in net sessions specially designed to practice high-pressure match scenarios against Australia in the upcoming five-match Test series Down Under.
But amidst the sweat and determination during India’s practice session, there was a lighter but compelling moment when Mohammad Siraj video-bombed Morne Morkel during a media interaction. In a video shared by the BCCI on its official website, the Indian bowling coach took the opportunity to highlight Siraj’s value to the Indian Test team.
Morkel praised the top-class Indian all-rounder for his leadership qualities and aggressive approach, ending the heartwarming moment with the bowling coach playfully kissing Siraj’s helmet.
Former South African Morne Morkel has called Mohammad Siraj a legend and hopes the Indian pacer will repeat his last stunning show Down Under in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.
The man is a legend: Morne Morkel on Mohammed Siraj
In a BCCI video praising Mohammad Siraj, Morne Morkel said, “This man (Siraj) is a legend. He has a big heart and an aggressive mindset; he’s one of the leaders of the attack and I’m excited to see how he goes on this tour. “He was the best man in tight situations last round and we’re excited to see him play more of a starring role in a very important round.”
Watch the video here:
💬💬 on the 22nd road 🙌
Assistant coach @abhisheknayar1 & Bowling coach @mornemorkel65 to wrap #TeamIndiaMatch Simulation in Perth 👌👌
WATCH 🎥🔽 #AUSWIN
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 18, 2024
Siraj is set to play a pivotal role as the leader of the Jasprit Bumrah-led bowling attack in the upcoming high-tension five-match Test series between Australia and India. During India’s recent tour of Australia, the fiery pacer was India’s go-to man in tough times and the upcoming Test series promises to be another phase of the hunt for his rising supremacy.
Shubman Gill is out of the Perth Test in Australia
Meanwhile, India’s preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 suffered a significant setback as top-order batsman Shubman Gill suffered a tossing fracture, ruling him out of the first Test against Australia in Perth.
Also Read: Harshit Rana playing in India XI for Perth Test announced by Aakash Chopra rejects debut
On a positive note, KL Rahul returned to the nets on Sunday (November 17) after nursing an elbow injury after being hit during practice. His recovery comes as a relief for the Indian team as the experienced batsman is all set to take his place in the playing XI for the first Test.
Adding to the challenge, India captain Rohit Sharma will miss the Perth Test, planning to join the team in time for the second match in Adelaide. Rohit recently gave birth to his second child with wife Ritika Sajdeh. On November 15, the couple welcomed their baby in Mumbai.
