edited by: Aditya Maheshwari
Last Update: January 12, 2023, 4:57 PM IST
Mohammed Siraj took three wickets against Sri Lanka in the second ODI (AP Image)
Siraj suggested that their plan was to stick to the stump to stump line and put pressure on the batsmen.
Team India Leading fast bowler Mohammed Siraj introduced his bowling plan against Sri Lanka in the 2nd ODI on a batting-friendly surface. Siraj was once again the standout performer for India with the ball as he claimed three wickets at the Eden Gardens as India restricted Sri Lanka to just 215 in 39.4 overs. It was not an ideal bowling surface for fast bowlers, with almost no swing on offer and a quick outfield for the batsmen, but the hosts made a collective effort to bundle out the visitors for a par score.
Siraj suggested that their plan was to stick to the stump-to-stump line and put pressure on the batsmen to play risky shots.
“The ball was not coming out fast enough, and there was not enough swing. So the plan was to bowl stump to stump to keep the pressure on from one end, hoping to pick up wickets and help the other bowlers,” Siraj told the broadcasters at the mid-innings break.
The premier pacer also revealed that wicketkeeper KL Rahul informed him after one over that there was no swing which is why he switched to tougher lengths early to test the Sri Lankan batsmen.
“KL told me it stops swinging after one over, so I switched to the hard length,” he added.
Apart from Siraj, left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav also claimed three wickets to demolish Sri Lanka’s middle-order as Siraj praised him for his collapse in the middle.
“It’s a good batting wicket, but Kuldeep bowled very well, which broke the middle order,” he said.
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Siraj returned to the attack in the 40th over and did not waste much time in wrapping up the Lankan innings by two wickets.
Talking about India’s plan for the chase, Siraj advised that the batsmen just have to watch the ball and play as the outfield is too fast to help them.
“The outfield is very quick so the message for the batsmen is to just watch and play the ball,” he added.
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