India are gearing up to face England in the fourth Test of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester.
With the hosts leading the series 2-1, this game becomes crucial for Shubman Gill’s side to stay alive in the five-match contest.
Ahead of the match, discussions around India’s playing XI have picked up steam, especially regarding the spin department.
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Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison has now weighed in on the possibility of Kuldeep Yadav getting a game, based on the expected pitch conditions in Manchester.
What did Steve Harmison say about Kuldeep Yadav and Manchester pitch?
Harmison believes that the pitch at Old Trafford will offer assistance to spinners, especially as the game goes deeper into Day 4 and Day 5.
Speaking about Kuldeep's chances, he admitted that the surface may not offer much bounce, but the turn on offer could make it hard to leave out the wrist-spinner.
“I think the conditions would be tempting for India to play Kuldeep. It’s not going to bounce for Kuldeep. But I think what it will do, it will spin, I have no doubt that it will spin as the Test match goes on and when it goes well into the fifth day,” said Harmison.
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The former England quick further explained that team balance will be a challenge for India. With Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar both performing well in the previous matches, he questioned how India can squeeze in a third spinner.
“India have got to have serious consideration because at this moment in time, their side is balanced. How do they get their spinner in? You can’t drop Sundar, you can’t drop Jadeja… Will you play with three spinners? That would be a big call,” Harmison added.
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India started the series with a loss at Leeds, but bounced back with a memorable 336-run win at Edgbaston- their first Test victory there in 39 years.
However, they couldn’t carry the momentum forward and lost the third Test at Lord’s by 22 runs, a close contest that went down to the final day.
With just two matches left, the visitors have no room for error and every selection decision will now carry huge weight.