Ashwin Criticizes Siraj's High Run Rate, Urges Restraint to Support Bumrah

Ashwin Voices Concerns Over Siraj's Run Rate, Urges Focus on Control

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed apprehension regarding Mohammed Siraj's performance during the first Test match against England at Headingley, Leeds. Ashwin advised the pace bowler to prioritize controlling the flow of runs, rather than solely concentrating on taking wickets.

Bumrah and Siraj in action, highlighting their contrasting performances.

Siraj experienced a challenging game, with an economy rate of 4.05 and only managing to secure 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 claiming two wickets. His struggles persisted into the second innings, where he failed to take any wickets in 14 overs, conceding 51 runs.

Ashwin addressed the issue on his YouTube channel, stating, "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?"

Jasprit Bumrah distinguished himself as India's leading bowler in England's first innings, achieving a remarkable five-wicket haul. Prasidh Krishna also managed to secure three wickets but proved to be expensive, conceding runs at an economy rate 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 seasoned spinner emphasized the importance of support roles in Test cricket, alongside 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.