Mohammed Siraj Warning: If England play Bazball, the match might get complete within 2 days

Team India’s fast bowler Mohammed Siraj believes that England’s ultra-aggressive approach does not work in Indian conditions. He shares doubts about Bazball strategy working here and predicts that if England prefers this approach, then the first Test can be completed in a day and a half or two.

Siraj highlights the challenges of executing an attacking style on subcontinental tracks with turn and bounce. He emphasized the challenges posed by the subcontinental pitches, which are known for their turn and bounce, making it difficult for batsmen to consistently hit the ball.

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He further mentioned that the unpredictable nature of the ball turning and straightening at different times would make it tough for England to execute their ‘Bazball’ strategy effectively.

“If England plays Bazball in Indian conditions, the match may get over within a day-and-a-half or two. It’s not easy to hit every time here as the ball turns sometimes and straightens on other occasions. So, I think it’ll be difficult to see Bazball here. But if they play it, it’ll be good for us as the match may get over quickly,” Siraj said while speaking on JioCinema.

While asked about his Test match preparation, Siraj stated the importance of hitting the right spots of the ball, regardless of format conditions. He expressed his desire to deliver the ball consistently in the right spots, particularly with the new ball.

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“I bowl with the new ball, so my line and length remain the same. I don’t change things whether it’s the white ball or the red ball. You have to bowl that length of five-six metres because, with the new ball, you have to pitch it up to get wickets,” Siraj explained.

He further stated, “If the ball doesn’t swing, you have to adjust the length slightly. So, I try to find consistency and keep pitching the new ball at the same spot. That’s what I focus on whether it’s the new ball or the old ball. That consistency has helped me take wickets till now.”

The ‘Bazball’ strategy was put after England’s Test team coach Brendon McCullum and has been associated with England’s swashbuckling approach to Test cricket since he took charge in 2022.

Despite its success in a few conditions, Siraj believes that the strategy will face its baptism backfire on Indian pitches. Siraj’s warning comes as both teams prepare for what promises to be an exciting series.

Siraj is looking forward to the support and anticipates that if England does decide to stick with Bazball, it could work in India’s favor by leading to a swift conclusion of the match. The first test match between India and England will commence on 25th January 2024 at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad.

Team India’s star batter Virat Kohli is to miss the first two Tests vs England for personal reasons. BCCI has unveiled Rajat Patidar as Kohli’s replacement for the initial 2 Tests.