Indian Pacer Momammed Siraj ‘silences’ critics in style, pacer theory works

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj made a speech on the 2nd and 3rd days of the second test at Lord’s in England, which ended with a score of 4-94. He played a big part in the visitors limiting England’s lead to 27, even as skipper Joe Root stood tall with an unbeaten 180.

But Siraj had a bigger message for his critics after the day’s play as he addressed the media virtually. He was asked about his “finger on the lips” gesture after sending the batsman back.

“This is for the haters because they used to say a lot of things about me, like he cannot do this and cannot do that. So, I will only let my ball do the talking and hence this is my new style of celebration,” a combative Siraj stated.

A section of the cricketing intelligentsia felt that India should have played with Ashwin and even if they would have wanted to field Ishant Sharma, they could have dispensed with Siraj and played a 3-2 combo.

Ashwin’s absence could have been felt had England gained a big lead which they were threatening to do. But the way India kept coming back, highlighted the importance of a fresh pace attack at all times.

Especially when they found the energy and enterprise to try out the short ball tactic in the middle session.

“It was important to play with the fourth fast bowler,” stressed Siraj. “Because we had taken three wickets at the start and our fast bowlers were effective and bowling consistently in one area. The role of fast bowlers is important in England because when you come to England, you want to try things.” he added.

About that short-ball tactic which even Jasprit Bumrah used to intimidate James Anderson, thereby ruling out the fact that there is anything like a fast-bowler’s pact (we won’t bowl bouncers to each other) these days, Siraj said, “There was no help from the wicket, so we said, let’s try bouncers, because after eight overs, we were going to take the new ball. If the wicket comes, then we will keep the plan simple.

”Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar and former South African skipper Shaun Pollock, who are doing the feed for the Indian audience in Mumbai, said on Sony Sports that Indian pacers needed to bowl that South African line, outside off-stump, even if is a tad boring as it helps keep the runs in check.

In Bumrah, India had the man who could try that. Ishant does not have the speed, but he used his experience and the slope with the new ball, and improved his record against left-handers.

Siraj, well, was Siraj. Bowling with speed, spirit and skill. While Shami blew hot and cold like he often does, he is a monster in the second innings. If India can put enough runs on the board, may be we can see the best of Shami too, thereby endorsing Kohli’s idea of playing with four pacers.