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Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Wobble Trouble! The mystery ball behind Mohammed Siraj's success against England
Mohammed Siraj The wobble seam ball aided the Indian quicks' success – especially Mohammed Siraj – in the recently-concluded five-match Test series against England... Swing it one way and seam it the other – rather wobble seam it. This was Mohammed Siraj's mantra in the recently-concluded India-England Test series, where Siraj emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 23 to his name. On Day 5 of the fifth and final Test at The Oval — with India requiring four wickets to win, but England inching ever closer to the target — this modus operandi helped Siraj bowl India to a memorable win. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! First, Siraj unleashed a curling outswinger that caught the edge of the bat of overnight batter Jamie Smith and had him caught behind. Next came Siraj's most destructive weapon — a delivery he amply used to his benefit during the course of the series — the wobble-seam delivery to the other overnight batter, Jamie Overton. Poll What aspect of the wobble seam delivery do you find most impressive? Unpredictability Versatility Effectiveness in getting wickets The ball wasn't a traditional inswinger or an off-cutter. Nor was it a seam-up delivery in the classical sense. It was a wobble seam, a ball released with the seam angled slightly off-axis, not in a consistent upright position, but still meticulously controlled. The ball eventually trapped Overton in front, jagging off the pitch rapidly and hitting the front pad – much before the batsman brought his bat down the line of the ball. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo IND vs ENG: Mohammed Siraj reflects on memorable win at The Oval Siraj's comments after leading India to a dramatic victory encapsulate the delivery's virtues. 'I started bowling with wobble seam in the nets to develop the in-ducker. The wobble seam keeps the batters guessing where the ball will go,' the pacer said. Even Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna used it to their advantage at various stages of the Test series. It's not that the wobble seam ball can move just in one direction. It can go both ways from the same spot with no distinct formula to discern – thus increasing the unpredictability for batters, and the delivery's effectiveness in getting a wicket. KNOW WOBBLE SEAM & HOW IT'S BOWLED Traditional seam or swing bowling revolves around delivering the ball with fingers close together, pointing either towards slip or fine leg. The ball is released on its stitched axis, moving in the direction towards which the seam is pointing. The wobble-seam ball, however, turns the convention. Here, the bowler parts their fingers wider on the seam, holds it pointing vertically towards the batter. The mechanics and science of wobble seam The efficacy of the wobble seam lies in its complex interaction with both the air and the pitch surface. Releasing the ball with a nonupright, oscillating seam creates microscopic turbulence around the seam. Unlike conventional swing, where the seam angle and shine determine the direction, the wobble seam removes these conventional cues. The result: after pitching, the ball can deviate randomly – cutting in, nipping away, or holding its line. Today, the wobble seam is an integral tool in the fast bowler's kit, with exponents worldwide leveraging it in all formats. It represents arguably the biggest shift in fast bowling tactics since reverse swing changed the game. It was in the 1990s, mostly in the English county circuit, that 'wobblers' started to gain acclaim. On the grassy, moisturekissed pitches, the wobblers used to gain capricious movement. But most of these wobblers were low in pace and the batsmen found ways to tackle them due to the lack of air speed. In the mid-2000s to early 2010s, South Africa's Shaun Pollock and Pakistan's Mohammad Asif were skillful exponents of the wobble seam ball. Asif, in particular, was notorious for confounding batters despite not being an out and out fast bowler, earning admiration from peers and paving the way for English greats like James Anderson and Stuart Broad to perfect the art. Anderson, in fact, credits Asif as the inspiration behind his pursuit and fine-tuning of this delivery — an obsession that began after witnessing Asif's magical spells during Pakistan's 2010 tour of England. From a scientific perspective, the ball with a wobbling seam doesn't generate predictable side forces during its flight or upon landing, making the ball's movement off the seam largely random and highly effective, especially on responsive Sunil Singh Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Like Bumrah, Siraj's workload needs care to avoid injury: RP Singh
Mohammed Siraj is in the same league as premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah and it is important to manage his workload carefully to keep him injury-free, said former Indian fast bowler RP Singh. Siraj bowled 185.3 overs in the recently-concluded five-match Test series in England and finished as the highest wicket-taker with 23 wickets, emerging as the most utilised bowler in the series. The 31-year-old from Hyderabad claimed nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings of the fifth Test, playing a key role in India's six-run victory that helped the visitors level the series 2-2. Workload management will be crucial to prevent Siraj from getting injured in the future," Singh said in an interview with PTI-Bhasha. "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." Citing Jasprit Bumrah's example, 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." Singh, who played 82 matches for India including 14 Tests, praised Siraj for his lion-hearted performance during the England tour. 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. "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." On the debate over Bumrah featuring in only three matches on the England tour due to workload management, Singh said: "That was already planned. The good thing about Bumrah is that whenever he's in the team, he gives you wickets. "Captains always expect breakthroughs from him. He usually bowls more than others in any match he plays." Singh also praised skipper Shubman Gill, who led from the front with 754 runs in the series. No one thought India would come back and level the series 2-2. Gill was impressive as captain. He made good decisions and his personal performance was outstanding. "When a captain performs well in his role, it positively influences his decision-making." The series also saw moments of grit as injured players had to bat to save matches. Rishabh Pant came out to bat in Manchester despite a fractured leg, while England's Chris Woakes batted with his left arm in a sling after suffering a shoulder fracture. Singh said in such situations, teams should be allowed like-for-like injury replacements. In my opinion, there should be a neutral doctor or physio during every match who decides the severity of a player's injury and whether the player is fit to play. If not, the team should be allowed to bring in a replacement of similar ability, he said. Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh did not feature in any of the Tests, and Singh attributed this to the team management's preference for all-rounders. There's no doubt that every player wants to be in the playing XI. From the first match of the series, India decided to strengthen the batting. To deepen the batting lineup, the team preferred all-rounders. That's why Kuldeep didn't get to play," he said. If the team had prioritized bowling strength, then Kuldeep would have played. Washington Sundar partially filled the spin bowler role. But I believe there were two or three pitches where Kuldeep could have been very effective. But these things happen in cricket, if not today, then there will be opportunities in the future.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'You are great': Virat Kohli's sister pens emotional note for Mohammed Siraj
London: India's Mohammed Siraj poses after being named the 'player of the match' following India's victory in the fifth Test match against England, at The Oval cricket ground, in London, England. The series ended in a 2-2 draw. (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar)(PTI08_04_2025_000381B) Virat Kohli 's sister, Bhawna Kohli Dhingra, shared a heartfelt message for Mohammed Siraj following his heroics at The Oval, where he helped India defeat England by six runs and level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2. Siraj was the leading wicket-taker in the five-match series, playing all five Tests and bowling a mammoth 185.3 overs. IND vs ENG: Mohammed Siraj reflects on memorable win at The Oval Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Bhawna shared two Instagram slides featuring Siraj's reaction — one showing him crouched on his haunches at Lord's, and another of him celebrating India's win at The Oval. Bhawna wrote, 'This sport never fails to amaze, as there are heroes who inspire and make us believe in hope and positivity. @mohammedsirajofficial YOU ARE GREAT.' Bhwanka Kohli Dhingra's Instagram story for Mohammed Siraj (Screengrabs) Virat Kohli also lauded Siraj's effort after India's win at The Oval. "Great win by Team India. Resilience and determination from Siraj and Prasidh has given us this phenomenal victory. Special mention to Siraj, who will put everything on the line for the team. Extremely happy for him ❤️ @mdsirajofficial @prasidh43," he wrote on X. Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj returned to his hometown Hyderabad on Wednesday after leading India's bowling attack in the drawn Test series against England. He emerged as the highest wicket-taker of the series, bowling 185.3 overs across all five matches, and was warmly welcomed by enthusiastic fans. Siraj, 31, first landed at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport from London alongside India's fielding coach T Dilip. Dressed in black casuals, he quickly boarded a connecting flight to Hyderabad, where more fans greeted him upon arrival. At the Mumbai airport, fans approached him for selfies and autographs, but he made a quick move toward the domestic terminal. Siraj's most crucial performance came in the final Test at The Oval, where he claimed five wickets in the second innings, completing a nine-wicket match haul and helping India secure a narrow six-run win — the closest margin of victory in India's Test history. The win ensured a 2-2 series draw, with Siraj stepping up in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the Oval Test due to workload management. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
News18
6 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Pacer Mohammed Siraj arrives in Mumbai
Last Updated: Mumbai, Aug 6 (PTI) India pacer Mohammed Siraj on Wednesday landed in Mumbai from London after playing a stellar role in his team's 2-2 draw in the just-concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. Siraj was the leading wicket-taker in the five-match series with 23 scalps. The 31-year-old arrived in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport terminal dressed in dapper black casuals, as a small group of fans gave him a joyous welcome. There were requests for selfies and autographs but Siraj quickly trooped into a car and left the airport, possibly to the domestic terminal to catch the connecting flight to Hyderabad, his home town. PTI UNG ATK ATK Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
No junk food, only discipline: Siraj's brother reveals secret behind long spells
India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj's brother Mohammed Ismail revealed the secret behind his ability to bowl long spells in Test cricket. Siraj starred in India's thrilling six-run victory in the fifth Test at the Oval as he picked nine wickets in the match. The right-arm speedster was instrumental in triggering England's collapse in both the innings as he tirelessly ran in throughout the game with same playing all the five Tests, Siraj didn't show any signs of tiredness and bowled spells as long as eight overs, several times during the game. Following his match-winning performance, his brother Mohammed Ismail shed light on his disciplined routine and strict diet which has helped him attain peak fitness to bowl at the international level."Yes, absolutely. He focuses a lot on fitness. He avoids junk food and maintains a disciplined diet. Even living in Hyderabad, he rarely eats biryani — maybe occasionally, and only if it's homemade. But no pizzas or fast food — he's very disciplined about his body,' Mohammed Ismail told India Today. Furthermore, he also mentioned how Siraj didn't let the Champions Trophy 2025 snub demotivate him as he worked on his fitness and practiced hard to make a comeback.'100%, he never gives up, even when he wasn't selected for the Champions Trophy squad, he didn't let it demotivate him. Instead, he worked even harder. He hit the gym, focused on his fitness, and practiced hard every day — morning and evening. He identified what was missing and fixed it,' he finished as the leading wicket-taker of the Test series against England with 23 wickets from five matches (nine innings) at an average of 32.43 with two five-wicket hauls to his name. Courtesy of his performance, India managed to draw the series 2-2 as they registered their narrowest victory in finished the fifth Test with figures of 9/190 and was deservedly adjudged Player of the Match. Having scripted a remarkable comeback in the national side, Siraj will now eye to once again break into the ODI team after being ignored for the Champions Trophy 2025.- EndsTune In
