Mohammed Shami advises Siraj to ‘concentrate on basics’ to find success amid poor form

Ace pacer Mohammed Siraj has taken only six wickets in the last three Test matches, four against Bangladesh and two against New Zealand in Bengaluru. With that, there are doubts over his place in the playing XI as Akash Deep, who has done remarkably well recently, is currently waiting in the wings. However, star pacer Mohammed Shami noted that there’s nothing to worry about Siraj’s form and that the 30-year-old will find his game soon.

Shami also advised Siraj to concentrate on basics and bowl on a particular spot repeatedly. He also understands that the Hyderabad-born cricketer is going through a rough patch, as things are not going his way as the batters are not getting out on a good delivery or catches are being dropped. 

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“It's not that Siraj is new, he is quite experienced. At times, what we are focusing on doesn't happen. I think he is going through a phase where he wants to do but it's not happening. He wants to pick up wickets but people are not getting out, or if he is getting the edge, catches are not being taken,” Shami said during an interaction with SportsTak.

“That phase comes sometimes. I feel there is no need to get frustrated. Concentrate on the basics, pick a spot and keep bowling there, no one will be able to stop you once you start getting success,” he added.

Meanwhile, Shami, who finished as the leading wicket-taker of the ODI World Cup 2023, is yet to return to the field. He suffered an ankle injury during the tournament and underwent surgery later on but is yet to gain full fitness. The pacer is currently training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and eyeing to make a return in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

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Ahead of that, Shami expressed his desire to play a couple of Ranji Trophy games for Bengal to prove his fitness. However, the doctors and the physios at NCA are keeping a close eye on Shami’s development as they are in no mood to rush him into action.