NEW DELHI: India's fast bowler Mohammed Siraj expressed skepticism about England's aggressive 'Bazball' strategy working in Indian conditions, suggesting that if England adopts this approach, the match may conclude within a day-and-a-half or two.
Siraj emphasized the challenges of executing such an attacking style on sub-continental tracks that offer turn and bounce.
Speaking on the eve of the opening Test against England, Siraj told Jio Cinema, "If England play Bazball in Indian conditions, the match might 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."
He further added, "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."
Reflecting on his preparation for the series, Siraj highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency in hitting the right spots, irrespective of the format and conditions. He shared his focus on delivering the ball consistently in the right areas, especially with the new ball.
1/10:England's 'Bazball' faces biggest challenge against India
Reuters
2/10:England vs India: Clash of Titans
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3/10:England's last victory in India
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4/10:Spin: England's key to success
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5/10:Stokes: The captain's challenge
Ben Stokes faces his biggest challenge in making Bazball successful on turning pitches.Getty Images
6/10:England's preparation in Abu Dhabi
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7/10:The task facing England
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8/10:England under McCullum
Brendon McCullum has helped transform England's red-ball fortunes with an attacking brand of cricket.Getty Images
9/10:Anderson's superhuman feat
41-year-old James Anderson's remarkable career continues as he leads England's bowling attack in India.Getty Images
10/10:Leach: England's frontline spinner
Jack Leach will play a crucial role as England's frontline spinner in the Test series against India.Getty Images"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."
With the focus on control and patience, Siraj aims to build pressure on the batsmen and contribute effectively to the Indian bowling attack during the Test series against England.
(With inputs from PTI)
