India cricket team are potentially on the verge of shooting themselves in the leg, should they opt to play two spinners in IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test. Earlier today, reports emerged that Rohit Sharma and co. are likely to field Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja in Melbourne and drop all-rounder Nitish Reddy instead. Visuals of the surface expected for the clash at MCG clearly show a green-top pitch in the wait, certainly a lip-smacking affair for pacers rather than spinners. In this context, India could be taking a risky gamble if they decide to go with dual spin options and reduce their pace battery.
Should India play two spinners in IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test?
So far in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, spinners have tasted bare minimum success. The first three contests saw pacers dominate the proceedings, with Jasprit Burmah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep and Harshit Rana sharing most of the spoils. Should India opt to bowl first at the MCG, then there is no doubt that an overwhelming percentage of success in finding breakthroughs in the form of consistent wickets would surely lie with the pacers.
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In such a case, it would be rather foolish of India to go with two spinners, unless they are dependent on a result on the 3rd or 4th day. Besides, Rohit Sharma and co. should take a hint from MCG head curator Matt Page’s statement on the surface and rather opt for a full-fledged pace attack backed with just one spinner. There are no doubts whatsoever over Ravindra Jadeja and Sundar‘s ability to take wickets at key moments. However, a green-top surface is expected to offer the least assistance to spinners while the pacers are most likely to get all the help from the surface.
Another pertinent fact that needs to be pointed out is the fact that the hosts (Australia) themselves are heading into the contest with just one specialized spinner in the form of Nathan Lyon. Travis Head remains the side’s alternate option for spin but isn’t expected to play a crucial role with the ball. With that being said, India should take a leaf out of Australia’s book and stick with the same XI instead of forcing in two spinners.
