Mohammed Siraj, the fast bowling sensation from India has been facing rough patch. He has not been able to get his form right, which has summed up to a very poor run. He has only taken four wickets in the Bangladesh series and two in the first Test against New Zealand. Now, with the second Test at Pune looming large, questions are being raised again on whether Akash Deep should replace Siraj in the playing XI. The India vs New Zealand second Test will be starting from October 24, Thursday and it will take place in Pune.
Doeschate Backs Mohammed Siraj Despite ‘Wicket-Drought’
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged the fact that Mohammed Siraj was indeed going through a “wicket drought,” but he also defended him amidst the flak.
“Siraj bowled beautifully in the second innings. That hour of Test match cricket on the last morning was really high quality,” he told the media ahead of India’s practice session in Pune.
“It maybe wasn’t a nicking wicket, which is obviously his big strength, particularly to left-handers when he moves the ball across. There’s nothing there to say like he’s not bowling well or his rhythm is not good.”
“Maybe he’s just going through a little bit of a wicket drought. But no concerns again,” he added.
Why Should Akashdeep Be Picked Over Siraj?
The decision to choose between Akashdeep and Mohammed Siraj will prove to be quite difficult as the management will be taking a decision based on present form, pitch conditions, and the New Zealand’s batting lineup. Siraj is an aggressive bowler who swings the ball, and he has been part of the Indian Test setup for quite a long time. Of late, his form has been patchy primarily because of his inability to muscle the ball over the line, which didn’t help in the past games with heavy scoring against him. This has affected not only his individual stats but also the team game plan, in that the team has often relied on him for initial breakthroughs without anything guaranteed.
Akash Deep, on the other hand, has been promising with his disciplined bowling where he has been able to maintain a consistent line and length-a goldmine on Indian pitches where the fast bowlers may not find support. Varying deliveries with a dependable slow ball and both ways movement can get him excitingly ahead in the deal. The bargain to adapt will also come handy in building pressure on New Zealand batters who have always been quite shrewd with spinners.
