India’s vice captain and ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the IND vs ENG Ranchi Test. But this can mean that India will go for a rather unorthodox approach. The pitch is said to to spin friendly, and this can prompt India to opt for 4 spinners in the Ranchi Test.
Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin are the vital cogs in India’s bowling setup. Kuldeep Yadav played in the previous Test while Axar Patel got a break. But should India go out to play with 4 spinners, then all four bowlers will be called up for action.
It is no surprise that Indian pitches favour spin. But why 4 spinners? England vice captain Ollie Pope in the Pre Match Press Conference claimed that the pitch is spin friendly. The English batter claimed that there is a high chance that the hosts might go full throttle on their spin unit.
“Potentially (India will bring fourth spinner), we got to see what they do once they see the wicket and train this afternoon. See what they want from the pitch, if they want some grass left,” Pope said.
“They have watered the pitch so potentially an extra spinner could be seen from India. With Jasprit missing they might go down that avenue, Axar Patel is definitely an option for them,” England’s vice captain added.
India to use 4 spinners in Ranchi?
The plan doesn’t sound that terrible. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested, which essentially means a returning Mohammed Siraj will spearhead the pace attack. While reports claim Akash Deep might also get his debut, that plan might be thwarted.
The usable of 4 spinners means India will have to go ahead with a solitary pacer. But as Ollie Pope claims that the pitch is cracked which can deteriorate over the days, it will be useful for the spinners.
“The pitch looks interesting, very ‘platey’. The cracks in the wicket aren’t just cracks, there are separate bits of ground that could open up with a lot of sun on them. The ball could deviate more off them if they open up like we expect them to,” Pope concluded.