Mohammed Siraj: EXCLUSIVE – India vs England: I am targeting Joe Root’s wicket, says Mohammed Siraj | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: After playing a stellar role in India’s triumph against Australia in Australia, India pacer Mohammed Siraj is raring to go for another potential win – in the five-match series against England in England. Siraj played a pivotal role in India’s 2-1 win against the Aussies in their own den.
He had dedicated the victory to his late father after finishing the series as the highest wicket-taker for his team, claiming 13 wickets in 3 Tests, including one five-wicket haul.
Siraj, who is already in the UK, looked in good touch in the warm-up game against County Select XI where he claimed two wickets in the drawn match.
“The Australia series taught me a lot. Playing under Ajju bhaiya (Ajinkya Rahane) was amazing. He backed me a lot. I still get goosebumps when I recall that day. Holding the winning trophy and celebrating with the team is a different feeling altogether. I am confident that we will beat England the way we defeated Australia. I am not nervous, I am confident. We have stars in our team,” Siraj told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.
India will kick off their five-Test series campaign on August 4, first Test, at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. The second Test (Aug 12 – Aug 16) will be played at Lord’s, the third (Aug 25 – Aug 29) at Headingley, the fourth (Sep 02 – Sep 06) at Kennington Oval, and the fifth Test (Sep 10 – Sep 14) at Old Trafford.

(Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Since 1932, India have toured England 18 times for a Test series and have emerged as series winners only thrice.
India won in 1971 (under Ajit Wadekar’s captaincy), in 1986 (under Kapil Dev’s captaincy), and in 2007 (under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy). After 2007, India toured England three times, but couldn’t clinch the series (2011, 2014, and 2018).
“I am confident India will beat England under Virat bhaiya’s captaincy. I am eager to hold the winning trophy with Virat bhaiya in England. Our team is looking so strong and we are ready for this big series,” the 27-year-old further said.
Siraj was also part of the home Test series against England, which India won 3-1. He claimed three wickets in 2 matches. He dismissed Ollie Pope in the second Test and then got the prized wicket of Jonny Bairstow and captain Joe Root in the fourth Test.
Siraj is looking forward to troubling Root once again, this time in England.
“Joe Root is England’s best batsman. I am targeting his wicket and there are others too who I want to target. I dismissed Root during the home series and he is part of my plan of action. My aim is to take as many wickets for my team as possible,” Siraj signed off.