Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has picked Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna as his two seamers for the opening Test against Sri Lanka, leaving out Gujarat Titans (GT) pacer Gurnoor Brar and uncapped seamer Auqib Nabi. The first Test is set to commence on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium.
Speaking during a discussion on his YouTube channel (Mohammad Kaif) on August 10, the 45-year-old stated that experience will be key in Sri Lanka, as the playing environment could vary and the Kookaburra ball will also be used. He said:
“Look, I feel experience is going to be very important there. If you look at Sri Lanka, whenever Indian bowlers have done well there, it hasn’t necessarily been the inexperienced or new players. The conditions can be flat there as well. It can be very hot, and the ball may not turn. As I told you, the Kookaburra ball can have a seam that becomes flat quite quickly. So, sometimes it isn’t easy to get the ball to grip. So, a player who comes with experience is likely to benefit a lot.”
Mohammad Kaif further highlighted the importance of experience, stating that Siraj and Krishna are ahead in that regard and that reverse swing can play a crucial role in the subcontinent. He added that he would have considered Brar as the third or fourth seamer had India been playing in South Africa or England, saying:
“That’s why I feel Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj are slightly ahead in terms of experience. If you told me that this match was being played in South Africa, then Gurnoor Brar could become your third or fourth seamer. If you were playing in England, I would say, ‘Yes, play Brar. But in the subcontinent, reverse swing can play a big role, and experience is also very important.”
Meanwhile, Siraj and Krishna claimed one wicket each across the two innings of the warm-up game, whereas Brar claimed three.
“Player who has played a lot of cricket will benefit more” – Mohammad Kaif on India’s potential seam attack for 1st Test
In the same discussion, Mohammad Kaif noted that Mohammed Siraj’s experience will be valuable and backed him to partner Prasidh Krishna in the opening game. He said:
“Mohammed Siraj is a seasoned bowler, so I feel an experienced player who has played a lot of cricket will benefit more. His experience is going to be very useful. That’s why I am keeping Brar slightly behind for now. If I am talking about India’s playing XI, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are the two fast bowlers.”
Siraj has featured in 46 Tests, claiming 140 wickets, including five five-wicket hauls, while Krishna has played seven matches and taken 25 wickets, with his best figures being 4/62.
Edited by Dev Sharma