Mohammed Siraj issues Bazball warning to England ahead of first Test: Match may get over within day-and-a-half

India’s fast bowler Mohammed Siraj expressed doubts about England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ strategy working in Indian conditions, predicting that if the tourists take this approach, the first Test could be over in a day and a half or two. Siraj emphasized the challenges of executing such an attacking style on subcontinental tracks with turn and bounce.

Siraj highlighted the challenges posed by the subcontinental pitches, which are known for their turn and bounce, making it difficult for batsmen to consistently hit the ball. He pointed out that the unpredictable nature of the ball turning and straightening at different times would make it tough for England to execute their ‘Bazball’ strategy effectively.

“If England play Bazball in Indian conditions, the match may 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. 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,” Siraj said while speaking on JioCinema.

Reflecting on his preparation for the series, Siraj emphasised the importance of hitting the right spots consistently, regardless of format or conditions. He expressed his desire to deliver the ball consistently in the right areas, particularly with the new ball.

“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.”

The term ‘Bazball’ was coined after England’s Test team head coach Brendon McCullum and has been associated with England’s swashbuckling approach to Test cricket since he took charge in 2022. Despite its success in other conditions, Siraj believes that the strategy will face its baptism by fire on Indian pitches.

Siraj’s comments come as both teams prepare for what promises to be an exciting series. With his home crowd in Hyderabad behind him, Siraj is looking forward to the support and anticipates that if England does decide to stick with ‘Bazball,’ it could work in India’s favor by leading to a swift conclusion of the match.

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