ENG vs IND: India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has made an important statement about the fatigue of fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. He has clearly said that Siraj has played a lot of cricket in the last few years, and now it has become necessary to handle his workload. Discussions on Siraj's fitness and availability have intensified amid the ENG vs IND series.
Mohammad Siraj's fatigue becomes a matter of concern, doubt about playing in the fourth Test | ENG vs IND
Earlier, head coach Gautam Gambhir had announced that Jasprit Bumrah would play only three of the five Tests. He did not play the Birmingham Test and may now be out of the last match as well. Due to Bumrah's limited participation in this important series of ENG vs IND, the responsibility on Siraj has increased. Ten Doeschate called Siraj a 'lion' and praised his energy. He said that Siraj is always ready to bowl extra overs.
"It is equally important to manage the workload of someone like Mohammed Siraj, who is always ready to bowl those extra overs, like Stokes did on day five at Lord's," said ten Doeschate during the media conference.
"We take for granted how lucky we are to have someone like that. I know he doesn't always have the returns that you expect from a fast bowler, but in terms of heart, he's like a lion and what he brings to this bowling attack, whenever he does have the ball in hand, you always feel like something's going to happen," he added.
The fourth Test between England and India will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester. The decision has been made about Jasprit Bumrah for the England vs India Old Trafford Test—he will play in this match. But Will Mohammed Siraj play in the Old Trafford Test?—This question is still in limbo.
Siraj may not have amassed big figures in the previous matches of ENG vs IND, but his hard work and passion have been invaluable for the team. Every time he holds the ball, it seems that something big is going to happen. India are trailing 1-2 in the series, and now it is important to win the Manchester Test. In such a situation, India feels the dire need to keep playing a bowler like Siraj.
Ten Doeschate also said that he will have to think about both the Oval Test and the fourth match. He said that he will have to see which strategy can bring victory to the team by combining these two matches. This decision is not easy in the context of ENG vs IND.
"We know we have got him for one of the last two Tests. It's pretty obvious that the series is on the line now in Manchester, so there will be a leaning towards playing him," Ten Doeschate said.
"But again, we have got to look at all the factors: how many days of cricket are we going to get up there, what do we feel is our best chance of winning that game, and then how that fits in together with The Oval. And looking at the last two games holistically as part of the series," he added.
Mohammed Siraj's role is considered important in England vs India Old Trafford Test. But Will Mohammed Siraj play the Old Trafford Test?—No concrete answer has come out on this question yet. The team management is evaluating all aspects. The fourth match of ENG vs IND will decide the direction of this series, so the decision will be taken carefully.
The team combination for the England vs India Old Trafford Test will largely determine whether Siraj plays or not. His hard work and dedication are difficult to ignore, but the needs of his body cannot be ignored either.
According to me, Mohammed Siraj should get a chance in the fourth Test. At this crucial juncture of the ENG vs IND series, India needs their most aggressive bowlers. Siraj may be tired, but his passion fills the team with energy. The Manchester pitch provides seam movement, which can be favourable to Siraj. Yes, the team will have to plan for the Oval Test, but right now the challenge is to level the series first. In such a situation, keeping Siraj out can be risky. With him, the bowling attack looks sharper and aggressive.
