Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj ahead of the upcoming first Test against England. Rohit Sharma emphasized the positive influence that Ravichandran Ashwin brings to the team every time he steps on the field.
The first Test of the five-match series between India and England will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad from January 25. The Indian team will be hoping to continue their dominance in the longest format of the game at home.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj have been important – Rohit Sharma
In the pre-match press conference, Rohit Sharma acknowledged the importance of Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj for the team. Rohit highlighted that both the players have played crucial roles and continue to impress the team with their performances.
“Ashwin and Siraj have been important players for us. Siraj has risen through the ranks in the last two years and has taken his game to another level. Ashwin has class, every time he takes the field he impresses us all,” Rohit said in the pre-match press conference.
Ravichandran Ashwin is currently ranked No. 1 in the ICC Test bowler rankings. The 37-year-old has an impressive record against England in red-ball cricket. He took 88 wickets in 19 matches at an average of 28.59, with a best figure of 6/55.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj took 21 wickets in seven Test matches at a decent average of 31.52. Overall, the pacer bagged 68 wickets in 23 matches for India in red-ball cricket. He could share a new ball with Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming series against England.
We will look to play our cricket – Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma emphasized the team’s focus on playing their style of cricket and not getting distracted by the opponent’s focus. Rohit said the team management would pick KS Bharat or Dhruv Jurel as the wicketkeeper-batsman in the first match of the series.
“We will look to play our cricket. I’m not interested in seeing how the opponent is going to play and all that. For us, we need to examine our cricket. Focus on what we have to do as a team and then take it from there,” Rohit said.
“Yes, obviously those are the two guardians.” [Bharat and Jurel] On campus. We will see and evaluate the performance. We’re obviously looking at the bigger picture. We want to give as many games as possible to the individual. But after each game we will evaluate what happens and what is best for the team. “Whatever is right for the team will do the necessary things.”
England have announced their XI for the first Test against India. The team management opted for a spin-heavy lineup, omitting veteran pacer James Anderson. Young spinner Tom Hartley will make his Test debut for England in the upcoming Test match.
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