As Team India notched their biggest ever win in SENA countries, after they beat England by 336 runs in Edgbaston on Sunday, there are a few things that have become pretty clear, to the visiting side, as well as the home side. And those readings should be in the third Test at Lord’s. Insidesport takes a look at them.
Jasprit Bumrah is Great, But India Can Win Without Him
It is a no-brainer that Jasprit Bumrah is the world’s best bowler. Many had questioned, as to what would happen if he doesn’t play some of the matches in England. The result is in front of everyone of us. India has, quite literally, thrashed England. So, to say that India’s attack is brittle without Bumrah in SENA nations, would be a folly.
Akash Deep picked up 10 wickets in the match, while Mohammed Siraj returned with 7. That makes it a staggering 17 wickets in the match. So, if ever Bumrah needs rest, he should be deservedly given it.
Team India Needs to Two Spinners Every Match
Traditionally, spin is something that has been our strength, and been England’s nemesis. Yes, over the years, the dynamics have changed, but then there seems to be still some truth in that. Spin, if employed efficiently, can be India’s great weapon. Although Indian spinners took only two wickets at Edgbaston — one by Jadeja and one by Washington Sundar, but if they get suitable conditions, they can contain runs too. Jaddu did that effectively in the fourth innings, where he had economy rate of 2.70.
Fast-Bowling All-rounders Grey Area for India
This is one area that needs thorough introspection. In the first match, Shardul Thakur emerged as underused, and in the second, Nitish Kumar Reddy too didn’t get enough overs to bowl. The duo failed with the bat. Then, should the Indian management look to play an extra batter in Dhruv Jurel, or someone else? While there is no question over the ability of these two, the captain doesn’t seem to use them to great effect. So, are they really needed?
Hit the Deck Bowlers, Ineffective
When Prasidh Krishna started to pitch the ball up, his economy rate fell under 3. Before that, in the three prior innings, his economy was way over 6. Then Akash Deep, who looks to swing the ball, was an instant success. What does that tell us? Just that India need to rely on bowlers who can swing the ball, in England. They will certainly be handsomely rewarded.
Going further in the series, when someone like a Mohammed Siraj needs rest, maybe Arshdeep Singh can be roped in. He swings the ball both ways, and can be a potent weapon.
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