17

Jun

Stage set for first test : All eyes on composition of team

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As stage gets set for the First Test between India and England from 20 June at the Leeds, the focus is on composition of India’s final XI for it.

England always represents a challenge for Indian cricket – different from say Australia or South Africa – cold weather to begin the summer and seaming pitches as opposed to hard bouncy tracks in Australia or slow, flat tracks in India.

It becomes truly a test of technique which in any case Test cricket demands – as opposed to slam bang T20 cricket. Therefore performances in IPL and T20 may mean very little and should not be a yard stick.

There should be no debate on the openers – Jaiswal and Rahul. The did well together in Australia. There are experts holding a view that Rahul perhaps should occupy Kohli’s slot at no. 4 since he is the most seasoned batter in the squad but the fact is, a good start is always crucial and Rahul’s record overseas is far better than any other Indian in last 5 years including Rohit and Virat – plus 7 of his 8 Test hundreds have been scored as an opener. This being Jaiswal’s first tour of England and bound to present challenges to him regardless of his talent and current record, it would be too risky to throw in a debutant along with him to open.

Next should be Gill – that is where he has been batting for some time and no 3 is a crucial position too. He is yet to cement his place though but unless he as captain uses his prerogative to change his spot, there is no reason to change the order.

Karun Nair seems to be the front runner for the no 4 slot right now – relatively experienced and in form.

 

Column at a Glance
A person with a beard AI-generated content may be incorrect.As India prepares for the First Test against England starting June 20 in Leeds, the focus is on finalizing the playing XI. England poses a unique challenge with its cold weather and seaming pitches, contrasting with the conditions in Australia and India. The opening pair is expected to be Jaiswal and Rahul, with Rahul's experience making him a strong candidate for the No. 4 slot, although his success as an opener is crucial. Gill is likely to bat at No. 3, while Karun Nair is favored for No. 4. Sai Sudharasan is a contender for No. 5, with Pant confirmed as vice-captain and wicketkeeper. The bowling lineup will feature Bumrah and Siraj, with Arshdeep Singh preferred for the third pace slot due to his left-arm variety. The choice of Leeds, a seamer-friendly venue, suggests England aims to challenge India from the outset, especially with key players missing.

 

Assuming Easwaran was picked as back up opener. it leaves Sai Sudharasan as the only claimant for no 5 slot. Is Dhruv Jurel a candidate as middle order batsman especially in view of the early form he has shown in England? Possibly but I expect the leadership would go with Sai. In any case, Pant is certainty as vice captain and wicket keeper slot is taken care of.

Next should be Pant followed by all rounders Nitish Reddy and Jadeja. Although Thakur is also a claimant for pace allrounder slot, Reddy should get in given his performance in the last series in Australia if nothing but for consistency of selection.

Should India take a bet with Kuldeep Yadav in spin? Instead of Jadeja? Maybe at the Oval but not in Leeds.

Then come the three pace bowlers – there being no debate about Bumrah and Siraj. The third slot is between Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh and my vote is for Arshdeep – he brings variety as a left armer and is more suited to seaming wickets than the tall Prasidh who is a better option on harder tracks.

The choice of Leeds as venue for the first Test is a clear indication that England wants to push India on to the back foot right from the start since it’s one of the most seamer friendly tracks in England. In the absence of Rohit and Virat, India’s batting looks somewhat inexperienced and with Shami missing, the bowling also is a bit weaker. Let there be no doubt, Indian team would be severely challenged this summer.

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