Ashwin Criticizes Siraj's Profligacy, Questions Pressure on Bumrah After England Test

Ashwin to Siraj: Focus on Run Control, Not Just Wickets

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his concerns about Mohammed Siraj's performance during the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds. Ashwin urged the pacer to prioritize controlling the flow of runs rather than solely focusing on taking wickets.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj (AP Photo)

Siraj experienced a difficult match, conceding runs at an economy rate of 4.05 and managing to secure only two wickets across both innings. On a pitch that offered minimal assistance to bowlers, Siraj conceded 122 runs in 27 overs during the first innings while taking two wickets. His struggles continued into the second innings, where he bowled 14 overs without taking a wicket and gave away 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 questioned on his YouTube channel.

Jasprit Bumrah was a standout performer for India, claiming a five-wicket haul in England’s first innings. Prasidh Krishna also managed to pick up three wickets but proved to be expensive, conceding runs at an economy of 6.40.

Ashwin further elaborated, "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."

The veteran spinner stressed that Test cricket relies on support roles as much as it does on 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 concluded.