Nothing much was happening, so I planned to play from stump to stump. The plan was simple, don’t give them easy wins and keep things simple.
I like responsibility. Going out on the field with responsibility on my shoulders gives me extra motivation, plus it’s a challenge and I like to take challenges, he said.
Siraj attributed his second five-wicket win to Indian strength and fitness coach Soham Desai and said it was not easy to bowl in such humid conditions.
It is not easy to take five wickets on a flat pitch. It’s a credit to Soham (Desai) who worked tirelessly on my fitness. I am constantly involved in matches and he makes sure I stay fit, he said.
It was hot and humid, we were in and out of the field due to rain and it is difficult for a fast bowler to keep his cool. It’s not easy to play long series in such conditions, he added.
On the fourth day’s play, West Indies made cautious progress, leading 76-2 in 32 overs. The hosts have eight wickets left in the second half and need 289 more runs in pursuit of an imposing target of 365. West Indies openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul (24 not out) and Jermaine Blackwood (20 not out) are in the field.
Siraj believes the fifth day will belong to R Ashwin as the ball has started to spin.
Judging by the way the wicket is turning, I think Ash (Ashwin) bhai will bowl ta