New Delhi: Top Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has recollected his connection with India pacer Mohammed Siraj, remembering how they have grown together since training in an academy together as budding cricketers.
Speaking about the high-profile Border-Gavaskar series for which India travel to Australia for a five-Test series, Australia’s No.3 Test batter Labuschagne spoke about the time he and Siraj spent together at the MRF Academy during the 2015-16 season.
“We first met when he was working with the MRF pace academy, and it’s been great to see how our careers have progressed together since then,” Labuschagne told Star Sports.
Both players are key members of their teams and their battle in the series will also be keenly followed from the opening match that begins in Perth from November 22.
Before their showdown, Labuschagne praised Siraj for his passion and energy, saying he is looking forward to the duel. “I enjoy battles with Mohammed Siraj,” the right-hand batter said.
Asked to speak about Siraj, Labuschagne said he admires the “great energy” he brings to the field and has genuine love for the game. “It’s exciting to watch him develop,” he added.
In the last few years, Siraj has emerged as one of India’s leading players and has taken 74 wickets in 27 Tests so far. Before the Australia series, Siraj will be in action for India in a two-Test series against Bangladesh that begins in Chennai on Thursday.
India have won the last four Border-Gavaskar series – both home and away and are the top-ranked team in the current ICC World Test rankings, just above Australia.
In between the Bangladesh home series and Australia series Down Under, India will host New Zealand in a three-Test contest.
Marnus Labuschagne spoke about the time he and Mohammed Siraj spent together at the MRF Academy during the 2015-16 season. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
