Ashwin Criticizes Siraj's Run Rate, Urges Focus on Control Over Wickets After 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 during the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds. Ashwin is urging the pacer to shift his focus towards controlling the flow of runs, rather than solely concentrating on taking wickets.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj (AP Photo)

Siraj faced a challenging situation, conceding runs at an economy rate of 4.05 and managing to secure only two wickets across both innings. On a pitch that offered limited assistance to the bowlers, Siraj conceded 122 runs in 27 overs during the first innings while capturing two wickets. His struggles persisted in the second innings, where he remained wicketless in 14 overs and gave away 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 stated on his YouTube channel.

Jasprit Bumrah was a standout performer as India's leading bowler in England's first innings, achieving a five-wicket haul. Prasidh Krishna also claimed three wickets but proved to be expensive, conceding runs at an economy of 6.40.

"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 the importance of support roles in Test cricket, highlighting that it's 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 added.