England Test Defeat: Siraj's Bowling Under Scrutiny as Kaif Urges Strategic Approach

Kaif Criticizes Siraj's Performance After Test Defeat: "Bowl with Your Mind"

Following India's five-wicket loss to England in the first Test at Leeds, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has voiced his critique of Mohammed Siraj's bowling display.

Mohammed Siraj of India (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Despite the Headingley pitch offering minimal assistance to bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah managed to secure a five-wicket haul in the first innings. While Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj claimed three and two wickets respectively, their economy rates were high, with Krishna conceding 6.40 and Siraj 4.50 runs per over.

The Indian bowling attack faltered further in the second innings. England's opening batsmen, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, forged a substantial 188-run partnership while chasing a target of 371 runs. England ultimately reached the target with five wickets in hand.

Krishna and Shardul Thakur each took two wickets, and Ravindra Jadeja claimed one. Notably, both Bumrah and Siraj went wicketless, despite bowling 19 and 14 overs respectively. Siraj's total match figures amounted to two wickets from 41 overs.

"People say Mohammed Siraj tried very hard, bowls with his heart. Sir, don't bowl with your heart, bowl with your mind and with line and length where we can get wickets," Kaif stated on his YouTube channel.

"Why didn't Bumrah take wickets in the second innings? It's because the batters played defensively. They attacked Krishna, Shardul, and Siraj. Gameplan becomes very easy when you know Bumrah will bowl 4-5 overs, play him well," Kaif added.

"In the same bowling lineup, you give him (Gill) Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, and Bumrah. I guarantee you Gill will win this Test series. Those are the bowlers who know how to take 20 wickets," Kaif concluded, emphasizing the importance of disciplined and effective bowling.

IND vs ENG Series Schedule:

• 1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds – England won by 5 wickets
• 2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham
• 3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord’s, London
• 4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Old Trafford, Manchester
• 5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, The Oval, London