Not Jasprit Bumrah, focus on Siraj’s workload management, says Ryan ten Doeschate

Jasprit Bumrah’s availability might be the big question but India are quitely focusing on managing Mohammed Siraj’s workload during the India vs England series. Siraj is the only Indian fast bowler to have played all 3 Tests ahead of the IND vs ENG 4th Test in Manchester. The Indian quick is de factor leader of the attack when Bumrah is unavailable.

Heart of a lion: Doeschate champions Mohammed Siraj, focus on workload

Mohammed Siraj has sent down 109 overs this series, averaging about 18 overs in an innings. With the series on the line, Siraj will be key to India’s chances of chasing the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. However, India remain aware of the Indian spearhead’s workload, and are hoping to manage it going forward.

“This has been a long tour, and there’s been a lot of talk about Bumrah’s workload. But going forward, we also need to manage Siraj. I think we often take for granted how lucky we are to have someone like him. Every time he has the ball in hand, it feels like something will happen,” Ten Doeschate said in a press conference.

Siraj has been ever present in India’s bowling attack over the past couple of years. He played all 5 Tests in Australia and is likely to do so in the India vs England series as well. The 31-year-old was key to India’s win at Edgbaston in the 2nd Test leading the pack. At Lord’s, he was in the face of the England batsmen, with his aggressive bowling.

Who features if Siraj is rested?

“He may not always get the results in terms of wickets, but he has the heart of a lion. He never shies away from hard work, so it’s even more important for us to manage his workload carefully to ensure he stays fit and performs at his best,” Ten Doeschate added.

If the pitches continue to stay flat in the IND vs ENG series, Siraj is likely to have the same workload. The 31-year-old could end up bowling over 170 overs should he continue at this pace and play all 5 Tests. He bowled 156 in the Border Gavaskar Trophy and his effectiveness waned as the series went on. For context, Bumrah bowled 151 before he got injured in the final Test at Sydney.

Hence, India could opt to field a bowling attack without Mohammed Siraj. India could opt to bring in Arshdeep Singh and hand him a debut. He however, suffered a cut to his hand during practice and his fitness is monitored. The other option remains in Prasidh Krishna, who struggled so far.