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Why Mohammed Siraj is Not Playing Second Test At Vizag vs ENG?

image-ls45m3j7Mukesh comes in for Siraj (AP)

In a strategic move by the Indian team management, pacer Mohammed Siraj has been left out of the second Test of the ongoing five-match series against England, taking place in Visakhapatnam. This decision has been taken to manage the workload of Siraj who has constantly been playing across formats.

Mohammed Siraj has been rested for Vizag Test

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) clarified that Siraj's absence from the lineup is a precautionary measure, aimed at managing his workload. Given India's intensive schedule in international cricket, especially with the series set to be a lengthy and gruelling contest, the team's decision reflects a broader strategy to preserve the pacer's fitness and ensure his availability for future engagements. 

Siraj, known for his fiery spells and crucial breakthroughs, has been a vital part of India's pace attack, making his sidelining a notable development. The Mohammed Siraj stats in the last year have been stunning across formats and as a result this period of rest is much-deserved.

Replacing Siraj in the squad for the second Test is Mukesh Kumar, who has joined the Indian bowling attack aiming to level the series after England secured a lead with their win in the series opener. The reshuffling also sees Rajat Patidar making his Test debut, stepping in for the injured KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav filling in for Ravindra Jadeja, indicating India's intent to bounce back with a revamped lineup.


The BCCI also announced that Siraj would be available for selection for the third Test in Rajkot, hinting at a strategic rotation policy to keep the pace battery fresh and potent.



Meanwhile, India's loss in the first Test against a Ben Stokes-led English side was a rare home defeat, highlighting the competitive nature of the series. With the best home win/loss ratio in Test cricket since 2014, India will be keen to demonstrate its depth by winning the second Test in Visakhapatnam after having opted to bat first.

As the series progresses, the management of key players like Siraj will be crucial in India's quest to maintain its dominance in the longest format of the game.