Former chief selector MSK Prasad has backed Mohammed Siraj to play a crucial role in a three-match Test series in South Africa. Speaking to India Today, Prasad stated Siraj can give competition to Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami for No. 1 and 2 spots in the bowling unit.
Siraj, who was not included in the Playing XI for the Kanpur Test, bowled a game changing spell in the second Test in Mumbai.
“I think he is the third in the order and he is giving a run for the money for the 1st and 2nd slots (in the pace attack) also with the kind of performances he has put in. In all fairness, it will be Bumrah, Shami and Siraj will be the third pacer by default. Even the Indian team missed a trick by not playing in the first Test match (against New Zealand in Kanpur),” Prasad said.
“Now, having two seniors at home is a little difficult. You could have gone with Siraj and Ishant or Siraj and Umesh. You need that youthful exuberance. I feel that was a mistake for the Kanpur Test.”