I’m confident that we will beat England the way we defeated Australia: Mohammed Siraj

After a sensational debut series against Australia, Mohammed Siraj is now gearing up for the England challenge as India embarks on the second cycle of the World Test Championship, with the five-Test series, starting in Nottingham on August 4.

India has had a productive last few months in the longest format of the game, with plenty of debutants displaying their mettle at the top level during India’s historic triumph Down Under. One of such remarkable talents has been Indian pacer Mohammad Siraj, who pocketed 13 wickets in just three Tests, finishing as India’s highest wicket-taker in his debut Test series Down Under.

He had to beat personal adversity, too, as his father passed away while he was in Australia, although he decided to stay on his national duty. While the right-arm pacer aced all those challenges, a similar challenge awaits him and the team in the form of the upcoming England series.

I dismissed Root earlier and he’s part of my plan of action: Mohammed Siraj

“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.

“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, who claimed the wicket of Joe Root while he was a part of the home Test series against England, which India won 3-1 this year, is looking forward to troubling Root again.

“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.

India will start their five-Test series at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, followed by the second Test (Aug 12-16) at Lord’s, third (Aug 25-29) at Headingley, fourth (Sep 2-6) at Kennington Oval, and the final one (Sep 10-14) at Old Trafford.