In September, while turning out for South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final against East Zone in Chennai, Mohammed Siraj candidly admitted that the two-month break from the end of the IPL to the two-Test series against Sri Lanka had affected his rhythm. “Every bowler’s body is different, but mine doesn’t handle long breaks well,” the pacer said, admitting that he needed extended spells to get his body moving again.

Since then, Siraj has gone looking for that rhythm, first through first-class cricket, playing two Ranji Trophy games for Hyderabad before joining India A for the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Christchurch. Though he is part of India’s ODI squad for the five-match series against New Zealand, the management also wants him ready for the Tests later this month. This game, therefore, was a chance to get some overs and wickets under his belt.

He did just that on Monday. After finishing Day 2 with 1/49 in 16 overs, the 32-year-old needed one ball on the third morning to strike.…