Shaun
Jasprit Bumrah, by far India’s most wicket-taking option, is all set to miss the second Test of the India vs England Test series for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, as reported by The Indian Express earlier on Thursday. And India will have to think quick to come up with a plan – although they have known for a while that Bumrah wouldn’t be available for all five matches. After bowling 44 overs at Headingley, in all probability the pacer will sit out for the second Test at Edgbaston. He is expected to return for the third Test at the home of cricket in London on July 10.
India’s limited options in Bumrah’s imminent absence for the Edgbaston Test next comprise a right-arm pacer returning from injury, an untested left-arm seamer, and a left-field but in-form wrist-spin option.
Tests: 7; Wickets: 15
First Class matches: 38; Wickets:128
Akash Deep’s efficiently repeatable skill set could offer India an immediate solution for certain inconsistencies with the Dukes ball. His ability to generate nippy movement off length can keep the English top-order guessing, assisted by his characteristic wrist snap. The Bengal seamer is also comfortable putting the wobble seam to effect when veering away from his natural straight-seam grip deliveries. While the challenge will be to keep deliveries fuller, Akash’s control over lengths will be of particular interest.
Arshdeep Singh, 26Left arm Medium Fast
First Class matches: 21; Wickets: 66
Yet to make his Test debut, Arshdeep Singh brings the left-arm angle to India’s pace attack in England for the first time in 14 years. Still young in terms of red-ball experience, Arshdeep’s ability to produce late swing and movement can keep him in contention for a new-ball role with a compromise on pace.
Kuldeep Yadav, 30Left arm Wrist spin
Tests: 13; Wickets: 56
First Class: 43; Wickets: 164
A left-field option to replace India’s pace spearhead would be Kuldeep Yadav. The spinner brings sheer wicket-taking qualities to the field, even on relatively flatter decks. Difficult to read at the top of his mark, the wristie who last played in England seven years ago (a forgettable Lord’s outing) can impose a sharper challenge on the sweep shots employed by the Englishmen while relying on his recent overspin upgrade and bounce to test the bat edges.
