'We failed to recognize...'- Former India cricketer certifies the excellence of Mohammed Siraj during ENG vs IND Test series

Mohammed Siraj turned out to be the hero for Team India. His heroics helped the team to claim the much-needed victory at The Oval to level the series 2-2. Without the service of Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj emerged as the leader of India's bowling department. Former India international Ravichandran Ashwin believed that the fast bowler now should get the recognition he deserves.

The star fast bowler registered figures of 5/104 as England were bowled out for 367 runs while chasing a target of 374. The tireless seamer played all 5 matches of the series and bagged a total of 23 scalps. During the closing moments of The Oval Test, on Day 5, eliminating any signs of tiredness, the right-handed pacer delivered over 140 cases. After delivering 30 overs, it is never an easy task for a pacer to produce a quick, accurate yorker. Siraj bowled out England's last hope, Gus Atkinson, with a perfect yorker.

"We failed to recognize Mohammed Siraj. The time has come to recognize him now. He once again put his hand up; he has given a compelling reason. Just look at his celebration; it seems as if he is saying, 'This is not the trailer. This is the main picture itself'. He is saying, ‘Please consider me as a match winner.'’ He is reminding us what a champion bowler he is. His bowling action, his technique, and his good work ethic are allowing him to play all five tests in a series," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

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Ashwin suggested the team management to rest Mohammed Siraj 

The former cricketer also tried to reflect on Siraj's workload. The Hyderabad-born is now 31, and to protect him, the team management should work on his workload issue, said Ashwin. He also suggested that the board can restructure the pace bowling department with Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj in the center. 

"He is also growing old. It is important for the team management to rest him as well from inconsequential matches. He could be your No. 1 Test bowler; he could be your go-to Test bowler. We have to rebuild the bowling attack. Akash Deep is there, Prasidh Krishna is there, and Arshdeep Singh is there. Around Mohammed Siraj and his experience, we have to build it," he added.