Mohammed Siraj was counselled by Ravichandran Ashwin to play a different role for India in the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, which will begin on Wednesday, July 2, at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Siraj is renowned for his aggressive bowling style and relentless pursuit of wickets. However, the Hyderabad seamer occasionally concedes a lot of runs while trying to get wickets. Siraj conceded 122 runs from 27 overs in the first innings and 51 from 14 overs in the second innings of the first Test match at Headingley. At an economy rate of 4.22, he gave up runs.
Siraj should manage his instincts and concentrate on controlling the scoring rate, according to Ashwin.
The former India off-spinner believes that Jasprit Bumrah will be relieved of a lot of pressure and be able to stay fresh if Siraj can halt the run flow.
“Can you stop the run flow? That’s my only query for Siraj. You are not required to take wickets. Can’t you, however, give up four or five runs per over? You must reintroduce Bumrah into the attack if runs are being leaked. What is the maximum number of dams that Bumrah can build? On his YouTube channel, Ashwin posed the question.
Additionally, he grows weary, pushes his spells, and by that time, alliances are formed. Alternatively, you would have to accompany Jadeja, who must intervene and stop the runs. Prasidh is inexperienced and playing for the first time,” he continued.
Ashwin encouraged Siraj to try the holding role that Morne Morkel, the current bowling coach of India, played in Test cricket for South Africa.
Siraj must therefore assume the bankable position. Do you recall the days when Morne Morkel bowled 2/43 in 20 overs? He ought to play that part. I suppose you might aim for 2/58 in Bazball. That job must be played by Siraj, and if he is successful in it, it will have a significant impact,” Ashwin said.
Ishant Sharma was mentioned by Ashwin as a bowler who could generate pressure all day long by giving up very few runs. According to the Chennai Super Kings player, bowling in partnerships and supporting one another is just as vital in cricket as taking wickets.
“I concur that taking wickets is crucial in Test cricket. However, you also bowl for each other in Test cricket. In the past, Ishant Sharma did it brilliantly. He did a great job as Morkel. After a full day of play, he would have only allowed about 40 runs and would have maintained pressure on one end. Naturally, I’m not requesting that Siraj follow suit, but rather control the flow of runs,” he said.
Ashwin believes that India would need to include a player from the team who can play the holding role in the starting lineup if Siraj is unable to control the run flow.
“Your spell cannot be sustained by bowling aggressively. He must assume that duty, support Bumrah, and keep Prasidh safe—who is new to the team. Instead of letting him go out and try to take five wickets in a seven-over period, let him take those wickets over the day. However, you need someone to step in and take the holding role if Siraj keeps up his current approach and Prasidh starts to leak runs as well,” he continued.
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