3 feats Mohammed Siraj can accomplish in NZ Test series
What's the story
Team India is gearing up for a tough two-match Test series against New Zealand, starting November 19. The swing-friendly conditions of New Zealand will be a real test for the batters' temperament and technique. Mohammed Siraj, India's premier new-ball pacer in Test cricket, will have the onus to make the red cherry talk. Here are three feats he could break against the Kiwis.
#1
150 wickets in Test cricketÂ
Siraj, who made his Test debut in the 2020-21 series in Australia, currently has 144 wickets across 48 Test matches at an average of 29.63, as per Cricinfo.
This includes eight four-wicket hauls and five fifers. Six more scalps would see him touch the 150-wicket mark.
Notably, Siraj is gearing up for his maiden Test assignment on New Zealand soil.
#2
100 wickets in SENA nations
Siraj has enjoyed operating with the red ball in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries.
He boasts 91 wickets across 23 SENA Tests at a decent average of 31.04.
Siraj is nine short of becoming the seventh Indian to complete a century of wickets in these countries.
He would join Jasprit Bumrah (159), Anil Kumble (141), Ishant Sharma (130), Zaheer Khan (119), Mohammed Shami (123), and Kapil Dev (117) on the list.
#3
Fifers in all SENA nations
Siraj currently has four Test five-wicket hauls in SENA nations - 2 in England and one each in Australia and South Africa.
As he is yet to accomplish this feat in New Zealand, the pacer is in line to become the first Indian with five-wicket hauls in all SENA countries.
Bumrah, who will be Siraj's partner in crime in the upcoming series, can also attain this feat.