NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised concerns over Mohammed Siraj’s performance in the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, urging the pacer to focus on controlling the flow of runs rather than solely aiming for wickets. Siraj endured a tough outing, conceding runs at an economy rate of 4.05 and taking just two wickets across both innings.On a surface that offered little assistance to bowlers, Siraj gave away 122 runs in 27 overs in the first innings while claiming two wickets. His struggles continued in the second innings, where he went wicketless 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 stood out as India’s best bowler in England’s first innings, claiming a five-wicket haul. 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 veteran 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 added.
