"Can you not give away 4-5 runs every over?”- Ravichandran Ashwin slams Mohammed Siraj, says too much burden on Jasprit Bumrah alone

Mohammed Siraj failed to contain runs in India’s first test loss in Leeds.

Mohammed Siraj‘s performance in the opening test match against the England Cricket Team at Headingley, Leeds, has alarmed former Indian Cricket Team spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who has advised the fast bowler to put more emphasis on controlling runs than just taking wickets.  

Mohammed Siraj had a challenging game, taking just two wickets in the game and finishing with an economy rate of 4.50 and 3.60 in two innings. He took two wickets in the first innings but gave up 122 runs from 27 overs on a ground that provided little help for bowlers.

In the second innings, Mohammed Siraj continued to struggle, bowling 14 overs without a wicket and conceding 51 runs.

How many dams will Bumrah be able to construct?- Ravi Ashwin asks Mohammed Siraj to provide more support

Ravichandran Ashwin, on his YouTube channel, questioned the lack of support for ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who picked a fifer in the first innings in Leeds. On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, along with Shardul Thakur, struggled to take wickets and also conceded runs. Even spinner Ravindra Jadeja looked out of sorts as England cantered to a 371-run target.

“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.

With a five-wicket haul in England’s opening innings, Jasprit Bumrah was India’s best bowler. Despite taking three wickets as well, Prasidh Krishna was costly, giving up runs at an economy rate of over 6 in both innings.

“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.

The second test between India and England begins in Birmingham from July 2.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.