Prasidh Krishna Targets Improved Economy and Lengths After Costly Headingley Spell

Prasidh Krishna is determined to bounce back after acknowledging his recent performance fell short of expectations. With only four Tests under his belt, the bowler is focused on lowering his economy rate, which currently stands at 5.07 after 90 overs.

Prasidh Krishna looking to make amends after a tough outing at Leeds. © Getty

Krishna's economy became a significant concern following the defeat at Headingley, where he conceded 6.28 runs per over, while Shardul Thakur went at 5.56. Their inability to maintain pressure as change bowlers exacerbated India's struggles once Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj completed their spells.

"Every time I come into bowl, I'm definitely looking to bowl a maiden and I'm not really trying to give away boundaries or anything," Krishna explained. He admitted that his lengths and lines at Headingley were not up to par, contributing to the high scoring rate.

Acknowledging his responsibility to improve, Krishna stated, "I definitely would want to bring that [economy] down to whatever best I can do... it's my responsibility to get better, and that's what I'm trying."

Addressing Length Concerns

Krishna highlighted the importance of bowling the right lengths. He noted that Headingley historically favors bowlers who hit the good length area (6-8 metres). In contrast, he bowled a significant number of balls short of a good length during the Test – 104 out of 211. While this approach yielded three wickets, it also proved expensive, with a concession rate of 7.54 runs per over. Krishna attributed this overcompensation to his hesitation to bowl fuller deliveries.

He elaborated, "If I look at the first innings, I was a little too short than where I wanted to be, that 6 to 8 [metre length] is ideal... I definitely did not bowl the lengths that I wanted."

Stepping Up in Bumrah's Absence

With Jasprit Bumrah expected to miss at least two of the remaining four Tests due to workload management, Krishna is preparing to take on greater responsibility within the team.

He emphasized the team's collaborative environment, stating, "What the culture that we guys have created is we are learning off each other, no matter who's there, who's around. [Bumrah's] been talking to all of us all though, even before coming here."

Contributing with the Bat

Following India's batting collapses at Headingley, Krishna recognizes the need for the lower order to contribute more effectively with the bat.

"As the lower order batsmen, we definitely are working on it... it is about putting your mind in there as well, making sure you trust yourself, trust the skill that you have, and be there at the crease for a little longer, and then the numbers and the runs are going to show," he concluded.