Indian Assistant Coach Backs Mohammed Siraj Amid 'Wicket Drought', Urges Pacers to Play to the Conditions

As India looks on to the second Test against New Zealand set to be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Stadium in Pune, questions have been asked of the side’s second-choice pacer, Mohammed Siraj and the lack of wickets from his end in recent times.

But the Indian assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate believes that it is just a dry period for the pacer and nothing suggests that the quick bowler is out of rhythm at the moment, reflecting on his performance on the first hour of the final day of the first Test.

“Siraj bowled beautifully in the second innings. That hour of Test match cricket on the last morning was really high quality,” he said.

“It maybe wasn’t a nicking wicket, which is obviously his big strength, particularly to left-handers when he moves the ball across. There’s nothing there to say like he’s not bowling well or his rhythm is not good,” he added.

“Maybe he’s just going through a little bit of a wicket drought. But no concerns again,” he suggested.

As for what the Indian pacers need to do in the second Test, the Dutchman reckons that they would need to play to the conditions rather than follow the traditional pace MO where they just look to take advantage of the new ball.

“I don’t think specifically to fast bowlers and when the ball is new, but playing a bit more to conditions is something we want to work on,” he said.

“Obviously, that first innings was ridiculously tough with the ball seaming around. There will be other times when fast bowling is the right option to go after it,” he added.

The Indian Team are trailing 0-1 in the three-match Test series and the onus will be on the hosts to get back to performing at their best levels to ensure that they take as many WTC points as possible and also maintain their long-standing series-winning streak at home.

New Zealand however, have stepped up to the challenge despite a poor showing in the Sri Lanka tour to take the series lead in Bengaluru. But now they will likely face a stronger Indian unit that is looking to get back at the Kiwis for the first Test.