Ashwin Criticizes Siraj's Run-Leaking Performance, Urges Focus on Economy Over Wickets

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 against England at Headingley. Ashwin has advised the pacer to concentrate on controlling the flow of runs instead of solely focusing on taking wickets.

Siraj experienced a difficult match, 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 the bowlers, Siraj gave away 122 runs in 27 overs during the first innings while managing to claim two wickets. His struggles persisted in the second innings, where he remained wicketless in 14 overs and conceded 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.

Jasprit Bumrah stood out as India's most effective bowler in England's first innings, achieving a five-wicket haul. Prasidh Krishna also managed to take 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," Ashwin stated.

The veteran spinner further emphasized that Test cricket relies heavily on support roles, just as much as it does on 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.