The decision to send Mohammed Siraj as a nightwatchman boggled the minds of Ravi Shastri and Simon Doull, who were on commentary at that time, during Day 1 of the ongoing third Test between India and New Zealand. Not only did Mohammed Siraj, get out on the very first ball that he faced, he also burnt a review as he decided to refer the on-field 'out' verdict. As soon as the replays showed that the on-field call was right, former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri did not mince his words, as he criticised Mohammed Siraj for burning a review.

Ravi Shastri also opined that it should have been Ravichandran Ashwin who should have come out as a nightwatchman instead of Mohammed Siraj. Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull was also in complete agreement with Shastri.

"If they had to send someone, then someone like Ashwin should have been out there. Not only Ashwin is totally capable, can't call him a nightwatchman," said Shastri on air.

"That was reviewed and that was the result. How did I get that wrong, is what Mohammed Siraj is thinking. It can be a lonely place, the dressing room," he added, when the cameras panned to Siraj in the dressing room.

Simon Doull, who was on air with Ravi Shastri, was totally in agreement, and he said, "Not necessarily has to be a lower order batter or a bowler that bats a little bit. He is there to protect the batter but also to survive in these type of conditions. Ashwin, I totally agree. Quite astounding."

Siraj comes as nightwatchman to protect Virat Kohli

In the 18th over, Ajaz Patel first sent Yashasvi Jaiswal back to the hut. Surprisingly, Virat Kohli did not come out to bat at No.4, and it was Mohammed Siraj, who ventured out as a nightwatchman.

On the third ball of the 18th over, Siraj was adjudged leg before wicket. The ball which was tossed up, hit Siraj on the pads as he failed to read the line perfectly. Michael Gough did not hesitate before raising his finger.

Siraj after deliberating with Shubman Gill, opted for a review, but to no avail, as the replays showed the on-field was bang on. Siraj walked back without opening his account.

Even Virat Kohli failed to get going, as he was run-out before stumps on Day 1.

Speaking of the ongoing Test between India and New Zealand, the latter won the toss and opted to bat first. The visitors were bowled out for 235 after Ravindra Jadeja took five wickets.

At stumps on Day 1, India reached the score of 86/4, still trailing by 149 runs. At one stage, the hosts were sitting comfortable at 78/1, but owing to harakiri in the last 10 minutes, India went from 78/1 to 84/4.

India have already lost the Test series, after facing defeats in the opening two matches. The side needs to win four out of their remaining six matches, in order to make the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) for the third time in a row.

Read Also: Virat Kohli shattered, in stunned disbelief after suicidal run-out sums up India's 'harakiri' 15 minutes before stumps

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