Ashwin has expressed concerns over Siraj’s performance in the first Test match.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed concerns over Mohammed Siraj’s performance in the first match of the five-Test series against England at Headingley.
Siraj advised the pacer to focus on controlling the flow of runs rather than solely aiming for wickets. The right-arm quick had a tough outing, conceding runs at an economy rate of 4.05 and taking just two wickets across both innings.
On a pitch that offered little assistance to fast bowlers, Siraj gave away 122 runs in 27 overs in the first innings while returning with a couple of scalps. His struggles continued in the second essay, where he failed to claim a wicket in 14 overs and conceded 51 runs.
"My only question to Siraj is... can you dry up the run flow? You don't have to pick up wickets. But can you not give away 4-5 runs every over? If runs are being leaked, then you have to bring Bumrah back into the attack. How many dams will Bumrah be able to construct?" Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Jasprit Bumrah was India’s stand-out bowler in the first innings. While the ace pacer claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings, the English batters were cautious while facing him in second essay and he ended up wicketless.
Prasidh Krishna also picked up three wickets but was expensive, conceding runs at an economy of 6.40.
"Also, he gets tired, and his spells are pushed, and by then, partnerships are forged. Or you'd have to go with Jadeja, who has to step in and stem the flow of runs. Prasidh is playing for the first time, and he is inexperienced. So Siraj has to play the bankable role. Remember how Morne Morkel used to bowl 2/43 in 20 overs? That should be his role. In Bazball, you could go for 2/58, I guess. Siraj has to play that role, and if he is effective in it, then it would make a huge difference," said Ashwin.
The legendary off-spinner further emphasized that Test cricket is as much about support roles as it is about individual brilliance.
"I agree that wicket-taking is important in Test cricket. But in Test cricket, you also bowl for one another. Ishant Sharma used to do it wonderfully. He played the Morkel role very well. He would hold the pressure on one end, and would have given just 40-odd runs after an entire day's play. Of course, I am not asking Siraj to do the same, but regulate the leakage of runs," he remarked.