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Ashwin Criticises Siraj's Loose Spell In Leeds; Urges Him To Learn From Morne Morkel

Soumyajit Dutta

Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj [Source: @ICC/X.com]Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj [Source: @ICC/X.com]

India's failure with the ball was evident after the Men in Blue failed to defend 371 on the last day of the first Test against England at Headingley. While 5 wickets were toppled in the 2nd innings, the spearheads, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, failed to bag any of them. 

Gautam Gambhir defended the bowlers despite their poor control and former Test veteran Ravichandran Ashwin spoke in favour of Bumrah too. However, he strongly criticised Siraj's bowling capability while slamming his abysmal economy rate.

Ashwin Blasts Siraj's Run-Leaks At Headingley

Ravichandran Ashwin praised Bumrah for his exceptional bowling and acknowledged Prasidh Krishna’s potential when in rhythm while backing Jadeja to fulfil his role. However, he raised a pointed query about Mohammed Siraj’s economy rate. 

"Bumrah has been outstanding with the ball. Prasidh can be exceptional when he finds his rhythm. Jadeja will do his job as expected. My only question is to Siraj: ‘Can you just dry up the runs? You don’t have to pick wickets, but can you not give away 4-5 runs in 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? Also, he gets tired, and his spells are pushed and by then, partnerships are forged” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, as quoted by News18.

Ashwin Wants Siraj To Take Inspiration From Morkel

Ashwin urged Siraj to be more like Morne Morkel who used to support wicket takers like Dale Steyn during his days with tight economic spells. 

"Prasidh is playing for the first time (in England) and is inexperienced. Siraj has to play the bankable role. Remember how Morne Morkel used to bowl? He used to give 43 runs in 20 overs and take 2 wickets. In Bazball era, you might go for 2/58. That is the role Siraj has to play and if he is effective in it, it would make a huge difference," Ashwin said.

Notably, Mohammed Siraj leaked 122 runs in the first innings while scalping 2 wickets and in the second innings, he went wicketless while spilling 51 runs for the team. In the match, he bowled at an economy rate of 4.22 which when compared to Bumrah is more by 1.01.