Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has a talent for taking wickets with the new ball, and he demonstrated that ability once more. In the third ODI at New Chandigarh, with the crowd already energised following India’s 351/7, the Hyderabad bowler created pure drama in the fourth over.
It was the first ball of his third over that the pacer secured his first wicket with a stunning delivery. It was a fuller delivery, slightly less than a driving length, measured at 139.4 kph. Campbell, who had appeared threatening early, was bowled for 10 runs off just seven balls. The wicket highlighted Siraj’s capacity to induce movement and create threats, even in conditions that typically benefit batters in 50-over cricket.
Siraj was rested for the first two ODIs of the three-match series against West Indies and then brought back in time for the final match. India had already taken a 2-0 lead in the series, making the third game irrelevant, but Siraj’s inclusion added excitement for fans hoping to see the pacer return to action.
Campbell scored 10 runs off just 7 balls, including two fours. India’s early breakthrough during the powerplay served as a reminder of why Siraj continues to be one of the most thrilling fast bowlers on the planet, especially when the ball is fresh, and conditions hint at some movement. It was a brilliant opening spell from the right-arm bowler, who was playing his first match of the series. India started strongly with the ball, posting a pace in the 140s.
Siraj’s comeback to the XI for the 3rd ODI stood out, as he had been intentionally rested for the first two matches of the series. Adding debutant Anshul Kamboj alongside him brought a new dynamic to India’s bowling lineup for the final match, as the team opted to use the meaningless fixture to distribute playing time and give chances to less regular players.
Campbell’s dismissal for just 10 runs off seven balls served as a reminder of the impact Siraj brings to India’s ODI bowling lineup. The ball that concluded Campbell’s innings came back into the right-hander and struck the off-stump, a delivery that demanded both speed and accuracy to execute. It was a moment that validated his choice and gave India an early advantage in their pursuit of the West Indies total.
