"It’s time for him to put his hand up'- Mohammed Siraj urged to become the strike bowler for India in England tests by Bharat Arun

Mohammed Siraj will be key for India in the England tests.

In the forthcoming series against England, Mohammed Siraj ought to be the primary bowler for India, according to former bowling coach Bharat Arun. Starting on June 20, India and England will play each other in a five-match test series.

Mohammed Siraj will be responsible for spearheading the seam assault because Jasprit Bumrah’s presence in all five test matches is doubtful due to his workload management.

But in the last two test series that India lost to Australia and New Zealand, Siraj wasn’t playing at his best. Bharat Arun predicted that Siraj would regain his Midas touch before the England series.

“It’s a great opportunity for Mohammed Siraj.” – Bharat Arun

Mohammed Siraj was praised by the former India bowling coach for his expertise and ability. He also backed him to replicate his IPL success in test matches. Siraj has been to England in the 2021 tour and was excellent for India, starring with the ball in their amazing win at the Lord’s test.

“It’s a great opportunity for Siraj. He’s got enough experience under his belt. I have seen him bowl some exceptional spells, like the one he bowled in the Lord’s Test, which we won last time. It’s time for Siraj to put his hand up and say, ‘I’m going to be the frontline bowler of our country.’ He’s got the skill set.

It’s now what kind of mindset he has that is going to be vital. He’s pretty smart. Siraj is someone who can be a captain’s delight, who will give his all. It’s good to be aggressive, but controlling it is going to be key. He’s had a good IPL. He looked in good rhythm,” Arun told the Times of India.

Since September 2024, Siraj has scalped 26 wickets from nine test matches at an average of 33.73 and an economy of 3.82. He scalped 20 wickets from five matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia.

Overall, Siraj has 100 wickets in 36 tests for India, with best bowling figures of 6/15 at an average of 30.74 and a strike rate of 53.

With Jasprit Bumrah slated to play only three tests in the upcoming England series, Siraj will have to up his game in England as India begins a new era in test cricket under the leadership of captain Shubman Gill.

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