Former Indian cricketer Arun Lal is not a fan of playing with a long tail and he wants India to include Kuldeep Yadav in the third Test match against England. India backed the all-rounder duo of Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja in the second Test at Edgbaston.

While the left-handed batters got the runs, they took one wicket each in the second innings after going wicketless in the first essay. 

Jadeja returned with scores of 89 and 69* in the second Test, whereas Sundar scored 42 runs in the first innings. 

On the other hand, Yadav has scalped 56 wickets in 13 Test matches at an impressive average of 22.16. Against England, Kuldeep has bagged 21 wickets in six Test matches at an impressive average of 22.28.

Arun Lal said on PTI, “It’s a big question as far as I’m concerned. You’re playing so many batters till number nine and I’m not in favour of that. You need impact bowlers. Kuldeep is in form, and England’s lower order can struggle against wrist spin.”

Lal added that the young Indian team has performed beyond expectations in England and it is difficult to break into the team if you are sitting out.

“I must admit that when this team was going to England, I didn’t think they had this kind of determination, this kind of belief, this kind of capability. This team has performed far better than expected, and I am so glad about that. These youngsters, once given a chance and that confidence, you better watch out. If you’re sitting out, it will be difficult to break in soon,” said Arun Lal (via the aforementioned source).

The third Test match between India and England will be played at Lord’s, London from 10th July onwards.