Star Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has joined the English County side Warwickshire, the club announced on Thursday (August 18).
Notably, Siraj is currently in Zimbabwe, representing India in the ODI series, which ends on August 22. The 28-year-old pacer will arrive at Edgbaston ahead of Warwickshire’s home game against Somerset on September 12.
Siraj is the sixth Indian player to be signed by a county team this season, after Cheteshwar Pujara (Sussex), Washington Sundar (Lancashire), Krunal Pandya (Warwickshire for Royal London Cup), Umesh Yadav (Middlesex) and Navdeep Saini (Kent).
“I can’t wait to join up with the Bears squad. I have always enjoyed playing in England with India, and I’m excited to experience County Cricket,” said Siraj, as quoted by Edgbaston.com.
“Edgbaston is a world-class stadium, and the atmosphere it created this year for the Test was special. I’m really looking forward to making it my home in September and hopefully helping the Bears end the season well. I would like to extend my gratitude to both Warwickshire County Cricket Club and BCCI for this opportunity,” he added.
Speaking about Warwickshire, they are currently third from bottom on the Division One table, with just one victory from their 11 games so far. After their match against Somerset, the Bears will play against Gloucestershire and Hampshire and would be hoping to avoid relegation to Division Two. Siraj will be available for all three matches.
“Siraj is a fantastic addition to the squad, and we can’t wait to welcome him to Warwickshire. He is one of the best fast bowlers in the world right now, and his knowledge and experience will help bring an added dimension to our line-up. It’s been clear that we needed to strengthen our bowling attack for the crucial run-in period, and I’m excited to see what Siraj can do in these three games,” said Warwickshire’s director of Cricket, Paul Farbrace.
