Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has put his weight behind team’s think tank decision to play the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in the second Test match against England at Edgbaston. Shastri said he would back a spinner who could give him control with the ball and also contribute with the bat in the lower order on flat English pitches.
While Jadeja returned with scores of 89 and 69* in the second Test, Sundar scored 42 runs in the first innings. Jadeja, who played as a solitary spinner in the opening Test, took only one wicket at Leeds and thus many expected India to add Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI for the second Test.
Meanwhile, Jadeja and Sundar picked only one wicket each in the second innings of the second Test but both contributed with the bat.
Ravi Shastri said on Sky Sports, “When you play on these pitches in English conditions, I would definitely want a spinner who would give me control and can get me 30-40 runs. That’s why Jadeja is playing for India ahead of Kuldeep. That’s why Washington Sundar came into the side. If it’s a turning track, then the job is to take wickets. Then I am not bothered about the runs.
On the other hand, Shoaib Bashir has been found wanting in the first two Test matches and Shastri said the home team needs a spinner who can give them control.
“Jadeja has not picked up too many. Washington Sundar, he’s not picked too many. Jadeja has over 300 wickets. It’s very difficult to judge a guy. England need a spinner who can give them control and someone who can score runs for you,” the 63-year-old former India left-arm spinner went on to add.
Meanwhile, Akash Deep returned with match figures of 10-187, which is the best for any Indian bowler in English conditions. Shastri said India has unearthed the best seamer for England conditions.
“You might have just unearthed the best seamer for English conditions in this Indian line-up by picking Akash Deep, who will trouble England as this series progresses if there is some help.”
The third Test match between India and England will be played at Lord’s, London from 10th July onwards.
