Mohammed Siraj Catch. (Photo Source: BCCI)
After Day 2 and Day 3 were called off due to rain and a wet outfield, respectively, Day 4 of the second Test between India commenced with a sunny morning. Team India’s bowlers exerted pressure on the visitors and they lost wickets in quick succession. On R Ashwin’s last ball of the 26th over, Shakib Al Hasan lofted one towards the mid-off as Mohammed Siraj completed a phenomenal catch.
Ashwin was at his clever best as he tossed up the delivery and Shakib anticipated the ball to hand in the air and marched towards the pitch of the ball, only to get beaten by the dragged length. The ball sailed high above Siraj and the fielder was at the lack of judgment reaching way before the dipping arc of the ball. He maintained his composure and used height to stretch his hands backward and pluck the ball.
Here’s the video of Siraj’s catch to dismiss Shakib:
What a catch by Siraj #INDvsBANTEST pic.twitter.com/wdd27cADnY
— 𝔸𝕪𝕒𝕒𝕟 (@yaan_Jatt) September 30, 2024
Indian bowlers all over Bangladesh on Day 4
Bangladesh commenced their batting where they left off on Day 1, at 107 for three wickets. Jasprit Bumrah orchestrated the first dismissal, picking Mushfiqur Rahim up in his third over. Siraj also joined the fray and dismissed Litton Das, this was his first wicket of the game. As Bangladesh’s middle order crumbled, they were reeling at 188, losing six wickets at the end of the 62nd over.
“Weather is something you’re not in control of. Have to quickly adjust, and use your experience. You start communicating with the others as well about the pitch and the lines and lengths. For me, my favorite format is the Test format. I’ve said it before as well that I wanted to play this format and I’m doing that now. Good to get some overs under the belt and build up those overs. The number of overs we bowl in Australia will be a lot more,” said Bumrah at the start of Day 4.