India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel and fiery pacer Mohammed Siraj stole the show ahead of the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, starting with the first match of the five-match Test series at the Optus Stadium in Perth from November 22.
As the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 begins this week, the Indian cricket team has been honing its skills with an intense training camp at the WACA in Perth.
However, India’s attention has been focused on the grueling practice sessions and preparation for the Test series, but a touching moment between Morne Morkel and Mohammed Siraj is now making headlines.
The touching moment between Mohammed Siraj and Morne Morkel becomes the talk of India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 preparations
The Indian cricket team takes part in everything from rigorous exercises in net sessions to specially designed simulation matches to practice for the high-pressure match scenarios they will face against Australia in the upcoming five-match Test series in Australia .
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But amidst the sweat and determination during India’s practice session, a lighter but adorable moment occurred when Mohammed 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 senior Indian pacer for his leadership qualities and aggressive approach, and the touching moment ended with a playful kiss on Siraj’s helmet from the bowling coach.
Former South African pacer Morne Morkel called Mohammed Siraj a legend and hopes the Indian speedster will replicate his last impressive show in Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.
This man is a legend: Morne Morkel on Mohammed Siraj
Praising Mohammed Siraj, Morne Morkel said in the BCCI video: “This man (Siraj) is a legend. He has a big heart and an aggressive mentality; He is one of the leaders of the attack and I am very excited to see how he will do on this tour. On the last tour, he was the go-to guy in tough situations, and we’re excited to see more of that senior role coming out of him on a very important tour.”
Watch the video here:
💬💬 On the way to the 22nd 🙌
assistant coach @abhisheknayar1 and bowling coach @mornemorkel65 wrap #TeamIndiaMatch simulation in Perth 👌👌
LOOK 🎥🔽 #AUSWIN
-BCCI (@BCCI) November 18, 2024
Siraj will play a key role as the leader of the Jasprit Bumrah-led bowling attack in the upcoming high-voltage five-match Test series between Australia and India. During India’s last tour of Australia, the fiery pacer was India’s go-to man in tough times, and the upcoming Test series promises to be another hunt for his growing dominance.
Shubman Gill outside the Perth test in Australia
Meanwhile, India’s preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 suffered a significant setback when top-order batsman Shubman Gill suffered a fracture while playing, ruling him out of the first Test in Perth against Australia.
Also Read: Harshit Rana denied debut as India fielded XI for Perth Test announced by Aakash Chopra
On a positive note, KL Rahul, who had been recovering from an elbow injury after being hit during practice, returned to the nets on Sunday (November 17). His recovery comes as a relief for the Indian team as the experienced batsman is now set to take his place in the playing XI for the first Test.
Adding to the challenges, Indian captain Rohit Sharma will miss the Perth Test and plans to join the team in time for the second match in Adelaide. Rohit recently welcomed his second child with his wife Ritika Sajdeh. On November 15, the couple welcomed their baby boy in Mumbai.