A video showing Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj getting emotional while the national anthem was played at the Sydney Cricket Ground ahead of the third Test between India and Australia went viral on social media.

Following the game, Siraj explained the reason behind his tears earlier that day. The seamer revealed that his father's memories made him cry ahead of the match as he had always wanted to see Siraj play Test cricket. The fast bowler's father died late last year while Siraj was in Australia. He had decided to stay back with the team due to quarantine protocols. "When the national anthem was playing, I was missing my father, so that's why. It was very emotional, because Dad wanted to see his son play Test cricket, so if he had been here today, he would have been able to realise that dream," Siraj reportedly stated. The 26-year-old cricketer is yet to meet his family after his father's passing on November 20 last year and will only return home after January 19.

Speaking about the incident, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer quoted MS Dhoni. "Even if there's little or no crowd to cheer you on, no better motivation than playing for India. As a legend once said 'You don't play for the crowd, you play for the country.' #AUSvIND," Jaffer said.

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