Sat Nov 02 05:01:53 UTC 2024: ## Former New Zealand Cricketer Slams India’s Night Watchman Choice in Mumbai Test

**MUMBAI, INDIA -** Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has criticized India’s decision to send Mohammed Siraj as the night watchman in the third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. Doull argues that the move was a strategic blunder, especially given the challenging spin conditions and Siraj’s lack of experience against spinners.

Siraj faced just one ball before being bowled by Ajaz Patel, leaving India on 86/4 at the end of Day 1. Doull believes that sending in Ravichandran Ashwin, a more capable batsman against spin, would have been a far better option.

“If you’re going to have a player out in the middle that has to be able to play, you can’t just send a bowler out there for the sake of sending a bowler out there,” Doull said. “If it was going to be anyone, it had to be Ashwin because he could bat.”

Doull also highlighted the importance of sending a player who can handle the pressure of facing spin in tricky conditions, especially when the other bowlers haven’t been consistently effective.

“To send a player out there who generally bats 10 or 11 and is not proficient against spin in turning conditions, I thought it was a big mistake,” he concluded.

India’s decision to send Siraj out instead of Ashwin has sparked debate among cricket experts and fans alike. The move ultimately failed to protect the Indian batting order, leading to the quick loss of three wickets and leaving India with a shaky start to the third Test.

Read More