Siraj Becomes 7th Indian Pacer to Claim 100 Test Wickets Overseas
Mohammed Siraj has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history by becoming the seventh Indian fast bowler to claim 100 wickets in away Test matches. The Hyderabad-born pacer reached this landmark during India’s recent overseas tour, a fitting testament to his steady rise as one of the country’s most dependable seamers in foreign conditions.
While Indian cricket has traditionally been known for its spinners, the past decade has seen a transformative shift in the team’s bowling arsenal—with Siraj emerging as a key figure in India’s pace revolution, especially away from home.
A Journey Forged in Fire
Siraj’s entry into international cricket wasn’t paved with ease. Coming from a modest background, he began his career as a tennis-ball bowler in the streets of Hyderabad before breaking into domestic cricket with impressive performances for Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy. His big breakthrough came when he impressed in the 2017 IPL season, earning a spot in the Indian team.
His Test debut came during India’s famous 2020-21 tour of Australia, a series that also became a launching pad for Siraj’s red-ball career. With several senior bowlers injured, Siraj led a depleted bowling attack at the Gabba and helped India pull off one of the most historic Test wins ever. Since then, he has grown from a backup bowler to a frontline seamer, especially in overseas conditions.
The Magnificent Seven
By reaching the 100-wicket mark in away Tests, Siraj joins an elite group of Indian fast bowlers:
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Kapil Dev
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Zaheer Khan
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Ishant Sharma
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Javagal Srinath
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Mohammed Shami
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Jasprit Bumrah
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Mohammed Siraj
This milestone is not just a number; it reflects years of perseverance, fitness, and the ability to adapt to vastly different pitches, climates, and match situations across the cricketing world—from the green tops in England and New Zealand to the bouncy decks in Australia and South Africa.
Key Performances Abroad
Some of Siraj’s most memorable performances have come on foreign soil:
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5/73 at Brisbane (2021): His maiden five-wicket haul helped India script a historic win at the Gabba, ending Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue.
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4/32 at Lord’s (2021): In swinging English conditions, Siraj’s fiery spell dismantled England’s batting lineup and helped India claim a famous win.
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5/60 at Johannesburg (2023): Another match-winning effort in tough South African conditions.
Siraj’s ability to bowl long spells, reverse the old ball, and extract movement even when conditions aren’t overly favorable has made him invaluable in the Indian bowling lineup, especially in away matches where pace often dominates.
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Changing Face of Indian Fast Bowling
The evolution of Mohammed Siraj is symbolic of India’s transformation into a formidable fast-bowling nation. Where earlier Indian seamers were seen as mere support acts to the spinners, today they lead the charge—winning matches in overseas conditions where spinners once struggled.
Siraj’s journey also shows the depth India now possesses in fast bowling. With Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Siraj forming a potent trio, India can challenge any team in their own backyard. And with youngsters like Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep coming through the ranks, the future looks even brighter.
What’s Next for Siraj?
At just 31 years old, Siraj has many more overs left in his legs. With consistent performances and improved fitness, he has the potential to not just increase his tally but become one of India’s top all-time wicket-takers in Tests. His hunger for wickets, aggressive mindset, and unwavering focus suggest that this 100-wicket milestone is just the beginning of many more to come.
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Final Word
Mohammed Siraj’s achievement is a proud moment—not just for him but for Indian cricket as a whole. It highlights how far the team has come in developing world-class fast bowlers and competing on equal footing in foreign lands. For Siraj, the journey has been about proving himself at every step, and with 100 away Test wickets to his name, he’s proved that he belongs among India’s very best.
