Ashwin Criticizes Siraj's Run Rate, Says Pressure on Bumrah in Headingley Test

Ashwin Urges Siraj to Prioritize Run Control Over Wickets After Headingley Test

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his concerns regarding Mohammed Siraj's performance in the recent first Test match against England at Headingley, Leeds. Ashwin is encouraging the right-arm fast bowler to concentrate on restricting runs rather than solely focusing on taking wickets.

Siraj had a difficult time, giving up runs at an economy rate of 4.05 and only managing to secure two wickets throughout both innings.

On a pitch that did not provide much assistance to the bowlers, Siraj conceded 122 runs in 27 overs in the first innings while picking up two wickets. His struggles continued into the second innings, where he bowled 14 overs without taking a wicket and gave up 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, highlighting the pressure created by Siraj's expensive spells.

Jasprit Bumrah was a standout performer as India's leading bowler in England’s first innings, taking a remarkable five-wicket haul. While Prasidh Krishna secured three wickets, he proved to be costly, with an economy rate of 6.40.

Ashwin 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 further emphasized the significance of supportive roles in Test cricket, highlighting that it is not solely 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 concluded.