New Delhi: Former New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee believes Mohammed Siraj could pose a bigger threat to the Black Caps than Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the two-match Test series against India. Southee pointed out that New Zealand have handled Bumrah effectively in Test cricket and know how to tackle him.
Bumrah has taken just nine wickets in five Tests against New Zealand, with a strike rate of 92.8, significantly higher than his career strike rate of 42.80. India have also lost all five Tests against New Zealand in which Bumrah has featured.
“I think New Zealand have played Bumrah incredibly well in Test cricket. I don’t think Bumrah has played in an Indian team that has beaten New Zealand. So, I think New Zealand play him exceptionally well in Tests,” Southee said during a virtual interaction facilitated by Sony Sports Network on Thursday.
Southee believes Siraj could trouble New Zealand’s batters if he gets his lengths right in home conditions. Since making his Test debut during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Siraj has taken 144 wickets in 48 matches.
“I’m a big fan of Mohammed Siraj and the way he bowls. If he can get his length right in New Zealand, he could be a handful,” Southee said. “The energy he brings, the way he runs in all day, the type of bowler he is, there’s no reason why he can’t have a lot of success in New Zealand conditions. There’s a lot to like about him in particular,” Southee added.
India’s two-match Test series against New Zealand is scheduled to begin on November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, with the second Test set to be played in Christchurch from November 27.
India will be looking to bounce back after their previous Test tour of New Zealand, in February 2020, ended in a 2-0 series defeat. The hosts won the first Test in Wellington by 10 wickets before securing a seven-wicket victory in Christchurch.