Team India held its first training session since the Leeds defeat on Friday, with Mohammed Siraj’s unexpected focus catching the eye.
Mohammed Siraj Focused Batting Session Signals India’s Push to Strengthen Tail-End Resistance
Mohammed Siraj’s extended batting session in the nets at Edgbaston has drawn attention, especially after India’s lower-order collapse in the series opener at Headingley. With Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna both missing Friday’s training, Siraj became the focal point among the Indian pacers—not for his bowling, but for his surprising dedication to batting.
India’s tail-end faltered under pressure in both innings of the first Test, losing a combined 13 wickets for just 72 runs. The lack of resistance from the lower order proved costly, as England chased down a target of 371 with five wickets in hand. In this context, Siraj’s focused work on his batting technique suggests an intentional shift initiated by the team management.
Under the guidance of batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, Mohammed Siraj was seen practising short-ball evasion, off-stump judgement, and soft-handed defensive strokes. For a bowler not traditionally relied upon with the bat, this was no casual net routine—it indicated a clear directive to improve his ability to support the team at the crease.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, known for his emphasis on discipline and detail, has long stressed the value of every run in Test cricket. Though he hasn’t publicly critiqued the tail’s performance, Siraj’s intense batting drill reflects the internal messaging. It’s evident that India is now expecting their No. 9, 10, and 11 to contribute more meaningfully—especially in tightly contested matches where even 20–30 runs can tilt the balance.
Changes in bowling lineup
With Jasprit Bumrah reportedly set to be rested for the second Test and Shardul Thakur under scrutiny for his lacklustre performance with both bat and ball, India’s bowling attack is expected to see changes. The team, eager to bounce back after losing their grip in Leeds, will be looking to level the series at Edgbaston.
While much of the spotlight remains on the top-order’s run-scoring and the right bowling combination, India’s inability to extract any resistance from the lower order proved costly in the series opener. The lack of tail-end contributions denied India crucial runs in both innings.
In Bumrah’s likely absence, Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the pace attack, marking a step up in responsibility for the right-arm quick. As one of the senior-most bowlers in the current squad, Siraj will be key to India’s hopes of staging a comeback in the five-match series.
