Sanjay Manjrekar: Former batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes there will be at least one change in India’s bowling attack for the fourth Test against England. The game begins on Wednesday, July 23, at Old Trafford, Manchester. Notably, the visitors are 1-2 behind.
Sanjay Manjrekar: Manjrekar feels that the team must make hardcore changes if they want to win. He questioned how long wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will continue to sit out. However, he also believes it is tough to get him in, given Washington Sundar’s all-round display. Sundar bagged four wickets in the second innings of the third Test.
Sanjay Manjrekar: “If you think hardcore and want to win, you have to think if you have that bowling attack. Bumrah is there. The others are there. But how long will you keep Kuldeep Yadav out? It seems difficult to get him in. So I see a change in the seam attack. I am very harsh here because we have a lot of seam talent that is fresh and ready to go. Bring them in. We have seen Akash Deep before. He does well and then looks flat fast. Is this his bowling character?” he said on Star Sports. (7:43)
Sanjay Manjrekar: Manjrekar feels bringing Prasidh Krishna back could be a temptation for India. However, he suggested that the team go with a fresh bowler and try Arshdeep Singh. As a left-arm pacer, Arshdeep could bring in some variety. He also has the experience of having played County Cricket in the past.
“Getting Prasidh Krishna in at Old Trafford can be a temptation. There is pace and bounce there. Prasidh has played till now. He is a difficult bowler to control as he gives runs even though he takes wickets. If Arshdeep is the favorite, they can also try him. One selection here and there will not define victory or defeat. That pressure should be taken off. Arshdeep can be a temptation too. I would still lean towards a fresh fast bowler,” he stated. (9:24)
India will have to win the fourth Test to keep their hopes of winning the series alive. They suffered a narrow 22-run defeat in the previous game at Lord’s.
Sanjay Manjrekar makes two changes to his India 11 for the fourth Test
Sanjay Manjrekar, picking his Indian team for the fourth Test, made a couple of changes. The former batter wants Sai Sudharsan in for Karun Nair. Sudharsan made his debut in the opening game at Headingley but was dropped soon after. Karun, making a comeback, has failed to create a significant impact so far.
In three games, he has scored just 131 runs at an average of 21.83. The other change he made is Arshdeep Singh for Akash Deep. Akash Deep bagged ten wickets in the second Test but was out of sorts at Lord’s.
“KL Rahul and Jaiswal are my openers. I would bring Sai Sudharsan but maybe the team management will stick with Karun. Gill at four, Pant at five. I feel Nitish Kumar Reddy at six, play him there and make him a batting all-rounder. Jadeja at seven. If Sundar would not pick four wickets I would slip in Kuldeep but Sundar at eight. Bumrah, Siraj, and I would want to go with Arshdeep,” he said. (10:39)
It remains to be seen whether Jasprit Bumrah will play at Manchester. However, with the series on the line, Bumrah’s participation will be key for India to draw level. With a long gap, the ace pacer’s workload management should not be an issue as such.
