Mohammed Siraj must aim to become frontline bowler for India: Former bowling coach
Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun feels Mohammed Siraj should aim to be India's frontline bowler in the upcoming series against England. India and England are set to take on each other in a five-match Test series beginning from June 20. With uncertainty over pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah's participation in all five Tests, the onus of leading the seam attack will fall on the shoulders of Siraj.advertisementHowever, the right-arm seamer wasn't in the best of form in the last two Test series as India lost against New Zealand and Australia. Ahead of the all-important England series, Bharat Arun has backed Siraj to return to find his Midas touch back. The former India bowling coach hailed Siraj for his experience and mentioned how he could emulate his IPL success in Tests.'It's a great opportunity for Siraj. He's got enough experience under his belt. I have seen him bowl some exceptional spells, like the one he bowled in the Lord's Test, which we won last time. It's time for Siraj to put his hand up and say, 'I'm going to be the frontline bowler of our country'. He's got the skill set. It's now what kind of mindset he has that is going to be vital. He's pretty smart. Siraj is someone who can be a captain's delight who will give his all. It's good to be aggressive, but controlling it is going to be key. He's had a good IPL. He looked in good rhythm,' Arun told Times of India.
Since September 2024, Siraj has scalped 26 wickets from nine Test matches at an average of 33.73 and an economy of 3.82. He scalped 20 wickets from five matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia but failed to provide support to Bumrah on most occasions. Hence, Siraj will have to up his game in England as India begin a new era in Test cricket under the leadership of captain Shubman Gill.Must Watch
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