Salman Butt, former Pakistan captain feels that, apart from Mohammed Siraj, the other Indian bowlers lacked bite on Day 3 of the Lord’s Test against England. Salman Butt reckoned that when there is not much on offer from the surface, pacers need to try extra hard, which wasn’t the case with India on Saturday.
Resuming their innings on 119 for 3, England ended up posting 391 as skipper Joe Root remained unbeaten on 180. For India, Mohammed Siraj claimed 4 for 94 while Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami picked up three and two wickets respectively. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja went wicketless.
Salman Butt: Indian Quality Bowling Attack Looked Helpless Against Joe Root
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Salman Butt opined that India’s bowling performance on Day 3 at Lord’s wasn’t up to the mark.
He explained: “India has a quality bowling attack. But they looked helpless against Joe Root. Only Mohammed Siraj looked effective and troubled the England batters. The body language of the other Indian bowlers was flat. “
“When there is not enough assistance from the pitch, you need to create opportunities through your attitude, your length and aggression. India had a decent total on the board and England were under pressure as well. But the aggression element was missing from Indian bowlers. Siraj was putting in extra effort but the others bowled within themselves. Lot of credit to Root for it.”
Joe Root’s unbeaten 180 guided the hosts to 391 in their first innings. Mohammed Siraj (4/94) and Ishant Sharma (3/69) shone with the ball for India. Mohammed Shami scalped 2 while Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja remained wicketless.
Mohammed Siraj led India’s charge to bundle out England for 391 in the first innings of the second Test. Skipper Joe Root was left stranded on 180* as James Anderson was dismissed on the final ball of day three.
Salman Butt: All Indian Bowlers Will Need To Put In That Extra Effort If India Has To Defend About 270 Odd Runs
Salman Butt, however, added that India can still make a match out of it if they bat well on Sunday and the bowlers rise to the occasion on Day 5.
He said: “If India have 270 to defend on the last day, like Siraj, the other Indian bowlers will also need to put in that extra effort. Remember, this is a Dukes ball so something or the other will happen with it. Pacers will need to bend their back. A lot will depend on what India do with the bat (in their second innings).”
Mohammed Siraj has been celebrating his wickets against England by putting a finger on his lips. While his style has led to mixed reactions, the bowler has revealed the reason behind his interesting celebration. At a press conference following the third day’s play, Mohammed Siraj explained that the celebration is to silence the critics.
“This story (celebration) is for the haters (critics) because they used to say a lot of things about me, like he cannot do this and cannot do that. So, I will only let my ball do the talking and hence this is my new style of celebration.”