NEW DELHI: Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj exuded confidence ahead of India’s upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) series against defending champions South Africa, terming it a “crucial” contest in the new WTC cycle.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!India, ranked third in the WTC points table, will host South Africa in a two-Test series from Friday. While the Proteas opened their title defense with a 1-1 draw in Pakistan, India are buoyed by their recent success – a series draw in England followed by a home win over the West Indies.
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READ ALSO:WTC Race Heats Up – India Target Home Points Vs. South Africa“This series is crucial for the new WTC cycle, especially with South Africa being the defending champions,” Siraj said in an interview to JioStar. “While they drew 1-1 with Pakistan, we are confident of our own good form – we created a positive environment, played well in England and won against the West Indies.”Siraj was India’s paceman in red-ball cricket last year, finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the five-Test series against England with 23 wickets. He carried this form against the Caribbean, taking 10 wickets in two Tests.“I personally bowl with good rhythm and try to get the most out of it,” added the Hyderabad-born pacer. “Being up against strong teams helps identify areas for improvement and I’m really excited about the challenge.”With India eyeing a return to the WTC finals after finishing runners-up in the first two editions, Siraj’s form with the new ball will be vital.
