Cricketer-turned-expert Ravichandran Ashwin has come heavily down at India pacer Mohammed Siraj's dismal performance in the first Test against England in Leeds. The pacer failed to control the run-flow, especially in the fourth innings, as the hosts easily overhauled the visitors target of 371 on a spicy Day 5 Leeds surface. Siraj conceded 4.05 runs per over, taking just two wickets in the match. He massively failed to support Jasprit Bumrah, who was literally spitting venom in the first innings.
Rather than the lack of wickets, Siraj giving away 122 runs in 27 overs in the first innings is a huge cause of concern for India, who desperately want someone to support their premier pacer, Bumrah more.
"My only question to Mohammed 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 back Bumrah into the attack. How many dams will Bumrah be able to construct? Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel.
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It was yet again Bumrah who stood tall for India in the bowling department and did not allow England batters in the first innings to take a significant chunk of lead. His five wickets gave India a slender lead of six runs, which the visitors failed to capitalize fully. Barring the premier pacer, Prasidh Krishna took three wickets, but he was way too expensive, conceding runs at an economy rate of 6.40.
Mohammed Siraj needs to play bankable role: Ashwin
"Also, he gets tired, and his spells are pushed, and by then, partnerships are forged. Or you would 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.
