VVS Laxman Explains What Makes Mohammed Siraj A Special Bowler

In the past 6-7 months, there are several Indian youngsters who have enhanced their reputation at the International level through consistent performances in whatever opportunities they’ve got. One of them is Hyderabad seamer Mohammed Siraj.

Mohammed Siraj, who made his Test debut as replacement for the injured Mohammed Shami during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, has made a strong case for himself as one of India’s first-choice seamers through his brilliant performances in Australia and then against England on home soil.

The right-hander ended the Australian tour as the leading wicket-taker (13) from India and his five-wicket-haul in the second innings of the Gabba played a crucial role in India restricting Australia to a manageable total.

So, what makes Mohammed Siraj such a special talent? Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman believed that Siraj’s ability to move the ball in the air and off the seam at a high pace, his well-directed bouncers, and the stamina to bowl consistently over a long spell is what makes him a daunting prospect for any batsmen.

”Siraj is a very skillful bowler. For any fast bowler, there are two very important requirements. Firstly, he must have the ability to swing the ball deceptively. Siraj has this ability in abundance. Secondly, a fast bowler has to be able to bowl long spells. This ability too, Siraj has in him. He has tremendous stamina. He can come back for his third spell and bowl with just as much venom as he did in his first two spells,” VVS Laxman told Siasat.com.

”This ability to maintain his speed, bounce and movement over a long period is what makes Siraj such a dangerous bowler. There is no time for the batsmen to relax. Siraj just keeps coming back again and again and he keeps hammering away at the batsmen. That is why he picks up wickets even in his third spell. It is an important quality for any fast bowler to possess,” explained Laxman.

The former Indian cricketer further reckoned that if Mohammed Siraj continues to work hard in the next years then he can impinge himself as one of the leading names in international cricket.

”Provided he continues to work hard over the next few years, Siraj can be a really big name in international cricket. He certainly has the qualities and the potential to do so,” said Laxman.

Mohammed Siraj will be a part of the Indian squad that will play six Tests in England and it will be interesting to see if the 27-year-old gets a chance in the playing 11 ahead of the first-choice seamers.

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