Ashwin Criticizes Siraj's Profligacy, Questions Run Control in England Test

Ashwin Critiques Siraj's Performance, Urges Focus on Run Control

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his concerns regarding Mohammed Siraj's showing in the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds. Ashwin believes Siraj should prioritize controlling the flow of runs rather than solely focusing on taking wickets.

Siraj and Bumrah in discussion during the Test match.

Siraj faced a challenging situation, conceding runs at an economy rate of 4.05 and securing only two wickets across both innings. On a pitch that offered minimal assistance to bowlers, Siraj allowed 122 runs in 27 overs during the first innings while picking up two wickets. His struggles persisted in the second innings, where he went wicketless 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 was a standout performer for India, claiming a five-wicket haul in England's first innings. Prasidh Krishna also secured three wickets but proved to be expensive, with 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 emphasized that Test cricket is about support roles as much 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 concluded.