 "Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are currently India's two main pacers, especially on overseas tours. AFP")
Mohammed Siraj has earned high praise from former Indian fast bowler RP Singh after his brilliant performance in the recently finished Test series in England. Singh said that Siraj is now in the same league as Jasprit Bumrah and his workload should be managed properly to avoid injuries in the future.
Siraj bowled the most overs in the five-match series and finished as the top wicket-taker with 23 wickets. He also played a big part in India’s thrilling six-run win in the fifth Test at The Oval, where he picked up nine wickets in the match, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings.
‘Workload management will be crucial to prevent Siraj from getting injured’
Speaking to PTI, RP Singh called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian team management to protect Siraj by managing his workload, just like they do for Bumrah. Singh said that Bumrah’s performance in the ODI and T20 World Cups was successful because of proper rest and planning.
“Workload management will be crucial to prevent Siraj from getting injured in the future. Fast bowlers are at higher risk of injury when they play too many matches in a short time. His workload should be managed just like we did with Bumrah," RP Singh said.
“It’s because of better workload management, Bumrah bowled brilliantly in both ODI and T20 World Cups. Siraj is also in the same league. To protect him from injuries, we need to seriously focus on his workload, sooner or later,” he added.
“Siraj was the only bowler who played all five Tests and bowled with full energy and intensity in each match," said Singh, a ‘JioHotstar’ Cricket expert.
“The last ball of the series, which bowled out the batsman, was one of his top five fastest deliveries in the series.” Siraj delivered a 143 kmph yorker to clean up Gus Atkinson and seal India’s win in the fifth Test. It was the fifth-fastest ball he bowled in the series.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“This shows that he never lacked effort. He focused on bowling with the right line and length and contributed beyond expectations for the team. His fitness and rhythm were excellent throughout,” Singh said.
Having bowled largely under Bumrah’s leadership until now, Siraj carved his own identity during the England series.
Singh noted that even Bumrah’s success has been supported by Siraj.
“Just like batsmen need partnerships, bowlers also prefer bowling in pairs. Bumrah tends to take more wickets and his unique action troubles batters more,” the former left-arm bowler said.
“Siraj’s role is to build pressure from his end, and he does that very well. Their partnership has been special and delivered great performances. When Bumrah is not in the team, Siraj automatically becomes our lead fast bowler.”
(With agency inputs)