The choice of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as a frontline spinner for the current Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was questioned by former India head coach Greg Chappell. Jadeja did not have any influence with the ball during the opening Test match at Headingley, Leeds.
After failing to take advantage of the rough outside Ben Duckett’s off-stump in the fourth innings of the Test match, when England chased down a 371-run target to record a historic victory, some experts questioned the Saurashtra all-rounder’s performance.
Ravindra Jadeja lacks the skill set necessary to play as a frontline spinner in English conditions, according to Chappell.
In order to make a comeback in the five-match series, the former Australian cricket player thinks the Asian powerhouses would need to select a more evenly matched team.
“Under English conditions, Ravindra Jadeja is not a front-line spinner. He can be a support spinner if his batting is deemed good enough; if not, a reconsideration is required. A more balanced team is needed if India is to turn around in this series,” Chappell stated in his ESPNCricinfo piece.
The cricket player-turned-expert added that it’s not a good idea to use batting all-rounders or part-time bowlers to compensate for top-order shortcomings.
“I disagree that adding a bowling batsman as insurance against top-order collapses is a good idea. The skipper can use the best combination to get the required 20 wickets, and the top six must be relied upon to provide the runs,” Chappell stated.
Now, the pressure is on the selectors: Greg Chappell
Instead of largely depending on all-rounders, Chappell recommended that the Indian selectors make bold decisions and rely on experts to produce.
“The pressure now is on the selections. Batsmen and bowlers must have the guts to make audacious choices if they are willing to take chances in order to score runs and claim wickets,” he continued.
On Wednesday, July 2, India and England will begin their second Test match. The exciting match will take place in Birmingham’s charming Edgbaston.
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