Siraj's Bowling Strategy Faces Scrutiny After India's First Test Loss to England

Friday - 27/06/2025 09:00

Mohammad Kaif has criticised Mohammed Siraj's bowling performance in the first Test against England, where India suffered a five-wicket defeat. Kaif emphasized the need for Siraj to bowl with his mind and focus on line and length to take wickets. He also highlighted how England strategically attacked the other bowlers, while playing defensively against Bumrah, ultimately leading to their victory.

Following India's five-wicket loss to England in the first Test at Headingley, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has voiced his concerns regarding Mohammed Siraj's bowling performance.

Mohammed Siraj faces criticism after India's Test loss

Mohammed Siraj of India (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

While the Headingley pitch offered limited assistance to bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah distinguished himself by claiming a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj managed to secure three and two wickets, respectively, but their economy rates were notably high, with Krishna conceding at 6.40 and Siraj at 4.50.

India's bowling woes intensified in the second innings. England's opening batsmen, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, forged a formidable 188-run partnership while chasing a target of 371 runs. England ultimately achieved victory with five wickets in hand.

Krishna and Shardul Thakur each took two wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja claimed one. Bumrah and Siraj, however, went wicketless despite bowling 19 and 14 overs, respectively. Siraj's total contribution for the match amounted to two wickets from 41 overs.

"People say Mohammed Siraj tried very hard, bowls with his heart. Sir, don't bowl with your heart, bowl with your mind and with line and length where we can get wickets," Kaif stated on his YouTube channel, emphasizing the need for a more strategic approach.

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Kaif further elaborated, "Why didn't Bumrah take wickets in the second innings? It's because the batters played defensively. They attacked Krishna, Shardul, and Siraj. Game plan becomes very easy when you know Bumrah will bowl 4-5 overs, play him well."

He concluded by suggesting that a different bowling attack would yield better results: "In the same bowling lineup, you give him (Gill) Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, and Bumrah. I guarantee you Gill will win this Test series. Those are the bowlers who know how to take 20 wickets."

IND vs ENG Series Schedule:

1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds – England won by 5 wickets
2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham
3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord’s, London
4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Old Trafford, Manchester
5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, The Oval, London

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