Former Indian wicket-keeper batter Parthiv Patel has suggested two changes in India’s bowling line-up for the third Test match against England. Patel noted that India’s gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will get back into the team, most likely replacing Prasidh Krishna.
The Gujarat Titans assistant and batting coach believes India should find a way to play Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. 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.
“I felt the thinking in the first innings was that Ravindra Jadeja could have come to at No. 6. However, since the off-spinner was bowling, Nitish Kumar Reddy was probably sent to bat. Ravindra Jadeja came to bat in the second innings. Jasprit Bumrah will obviously come back, but along with that, you can somehow find a chance to play Kuldeep Yadav,” Parthiv Patel said on Star Sports show Game Plan.
Patel noted that India has a restrictive bowler in Ravindra Jadeja and they must add Kuldeep to the final XI.
“At No. 8, do you want a bowler or a restrictive bowler? You will have to answer that question because you already have a restrictive bowler in Ravindra Jadeja, and if the ball is seaming or swinging a little, Nitish Kumar Reddy can bowl a few overs for you. You will have to find a way to get Kuldeep Yadav into the playing XI,” Patel observed.
The former gloveman added that playing with four fast bowlers will be a far-fetched thought as the conditions will be hot in London.
“The weather forecast is 30-plus (degrees) on all five days, which means it will be extremely hot. Even if there is moisture on the pitch, it won’t last for long. So four pacers will be a far-fetched thought,” he replied.
The third Test match between India and England will be played at Lord’s, London from 10th July onwards.
