In a disappointing start to the Test series at Headingley, Team India was unable to defend a target of 371 against England. The home team's aggressive 'Bazball' approach proved too much for the Indian bowlers, leading to a comprehensive defeat for the visitors. In the aftermath of the loss, India's frontline pace attack, with the notable exception of Jasprit Bumrah, has come under intense scrutiny for their lackluster performance, which was characterised by an inability to take crucial wickets and a failure to contain the flow of runs.
R Ashwin has an advise for Mohammed Siraj after poor outing in first Test vs England
A closer look at the statistics reveals a stark contrast in the effectiveness of the Indian fast bowlers. While Bumrah was economical and incisive, claiming five wickets in 43.4 overs at an economy rate of just 3.2, his fellow pacers struggled. Mohammed Siraj, for instance, managed to take two wickets but was expensive, conceding 173 runs in his 41 overs at over four runs per over. Similarly, Prasidh Krishna, despite picking up five wickets across 35 overs, leaked a 220 runs, resulting in a high economy rate of 6.2.
Meanwhile, expressing his concern over India's pace attack, spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested that the lack of support from the other end is placing an undue burden on Jasprit Bumrah. Ashwin believes that the inconsistent performances of the other pacemen are increasing Bumrah's workload, forcing him to over-exert himself to compensate for the shortcomings of his teammates.
In his analysis, Ashwin offered specific advice for Mohammed Siraj, urging him to prioritise stemming the flow of runs. He emphasised that even if wickets are not immediately forthcoming, it is crucial for Siraj to build pressure by being more economical. According to Ashwin, this strategic shift would not only provide better support to Bumrah but also enhance the overall effectiveness of the Indian bowling unit.
“Bumrah is bowling extraordinarily. Prasidh, when he gets it right, bowls unbelievably well. Jadeja will perform his role. My only question is to Siraj: ‘Can you just dry up the runs? You don’t have to pick wickets, but can you not give away 4-5 runs in every over?'" Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“If runs are being leaked, then you have to bring Bumrah back into the attack. How many dams will Bumrah be able to construct? 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 to stem the flow of runs," he added.
Ashwin wants Siraj to take a leaf out of India's bowling coach Morne Morkel's book. Ashwin advised Siraj to learn from Morkel by bowling tight spells and restrict the flow of runs.
“Prasidh is playing for the first time (in England) and is inexperienced. Siraj has to play the bankable role. Remember how Morne Morkel used to bowl? He used to give 43 runs in 20 overs and take 2 wickets. In Bazball era, you might go for 2/58. That is the role Siraj has to play and if he is effective in it, it would make a huge difference," Ashwin concluded.
However, it will be interesting to see whether Siraj will get a chance to feature in India's playing XI in the second Test against England which is set to start from July 2.