Former Pakistan Captain highlights one key area Mohammed Siraj needs to improve on

Mohammed Siraj has been one of India’s most improved fast bowlers over the last two years or so. And he has reached an all-time high in ODIs in terms of the rankings as he became the world no. 1 earlier in the week. He is turning out to be a major asset for the Men in Blue across formats and conditions.

Siraj overtook Australia’s ace pacer, Josh Hazlewood, and is now two rating points clear of the Aussie with 729 points. He is also the only Indian in the top 10 rankings. Since making his ODI debut in January 2019 in Adelaide against Australia, he has played 21 ODIs and picked up 38 wickets at an average of 20.73 and a strike rate of 26.9, with an economy rate of 4.61. He also has the best bowling figures of 4 for 32.

Despite his ever-growing rise in all aspects of bowling, former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt pointed out one facet of his game that needs improvement. Butt said that Siraj’s wicket-taking ability is getting better with time and that his competitive nature suits him in all forms of cricket. But the one thing that Butt is sceptical about is his fielding.

He has bowled tremendously well in the recent past: Salman Butt

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Butt said. "He has bowled tremendously well in the recent past. His wicket-taking ability is getting better and better. His aggression is quite suitable for all kinds of cricket. The only thing that he needs to improve is his fielding. That's one area that he needs to work on. He is a wonderful bowler," Butt said.

Siraj has also established himself as one of India’s integral members in the Test side. He made his debut in the format in December in Melbourne against Australia. He has played 15 Tests ever since, bagging 46 wickets at an average of 30.39 and with best innings figures of 5 for 73. He will be next in action in the four-match Test series against Australia, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy which will commence the next month.