The Indian bowlers failed to do justice to their potential on Day 3 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, as England took a mammoth 186-run first-innings lead with three wickets in the bag. Ben Stokes will continue on 77 on the penultimate day of the Test match, with Liam Dawson (21*) for company. Another 50 runs and India would have to work very hard to make the hosts bat for the second time in the Test match.
India's bowling has looked toothless in the Test match as England have amassed 544 runs in 135 overs at a run rate of 4.03. Mohammed Siraj has looked tired after playing the first three Tests. Jasprit Bumrah sustained an ankle injury but returned to the field shortly after. However, it seemed that he bowled well within himself in the latter half of the day. Debutant Anshul Kamboj looked like a fish out of water, as his bowling effort showed that he needs more time to get accustomed to the big stage.
Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar took two wickets apiece, and it seemed that Kuldeep Yadav could have done wonders on this surface. Many experts and fans have been questioning why the veteran wrist spinner has been ignored so far in the series.
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel was asked the same after play on Day 3. He said that India are trying to find a way to get Kuldeep Yadav into the line-up, but they don't want to make their batting look thinner.
"I think it's finding when he comes in, how we can find balance and how we can get that batting line-up to be a little bit longer and stronger. We've seen in the past that we've lost wickets in clumps. Kuldeep is world class and he's bowling really well at the moment, so we're trying our best to find ways for him to get in. But unfortunately, with that, just to balance with batting throws it out a little bit," Morkel said.
The former South African pacer said that India need depth in the batting department, especially when they are playing in England, especially because of the ultra-aggressive approach of the home side.
"You need it against England, especially the way they play, their brand of cricket. But to be honest, the wicket so far has been dry and it's actually spun a little bit. So that brings Washington into the game. It brings Jaddu [Jadeja] into the game. So Kuldeep, we are trying to find a way for him, but it is just more that consistent runs from our top six that we want so that we can bring a guy like Kuldeep in," Morkel concluded.
You may also like
Mumbai: Mobile Thefts, Unauthorised Persons Found Sleeping At Night In V N Desai Hospital
Actor Madhampatty Rangaraj Marries Stylist Joy Crizildaa Again & Announces Pregnancy Months After First Wife Shruthi Denied Divorce Rumours
Security forces demolish Maoist memorials as banned outfit seeks sympathy by observing 'Martyr Week'
Mansa Devi Temple Stampede: President Murmu, PM Modi Express Condolences To Families Of Those Who Lost Their Lives
PM Modi expresses grief over loss of lives in Mansa Devi stampede