India lost the first Test at Headingley from the winning position.
The visitors were unable to cross the 500-run mark even once. They also set England a mammoth target of 371, but that was chased down with some comfort on Day 5 as Indian bowlers were guilty of constantly losing their line and lengths and fielders dropped multiple catches.
Reflecting on India’s stinging defeat, former England pacer Stuart Broad suggested that team selection played a significant role as the tourists succumbed from the winning position.
Broad mentioned that India might have missed a trick by not playing wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav on a surface that could have assisted spin, especially on the last two days.
“I think they got their team selection wrong, if I'm honest. Kuldeep Yadav should have played instead of Shardul Thakur. Especially with the kind of pitch and England's known struggle against wrist spin, Kuldeep could have made a big difference,” Broad said while speaking on For the Love of Cricket, his new podcast with Jos Buttler.
According to Broad, India's attack lacked the variety and penetration needed to close out the game. He also called for left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh’s inclusion in the second Test, especially with reports suggesting that Jasprit Bumrah could be rested in Birmingham.
“If Bumrah is going to be rested at Edgbaston, I’d be tempted to bring in Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm angle and his ability to swing the ball early on could offer something different to India's bowling attack,” he added.
“While Prasidh Krishna improved in the second innings, the attack overall lacked control and wicket-taking threat.”
Stuart Broad also insisted that India shouldn't overhaul their strategy based on a single loss in the five-match series.
“It's not panic stations. You can't afford to rip up plans after one loss. India were in control for most of the Test, and just need a few tweaks rather than wholesale changes,” he concluded.
The two teams will meet in the second Test match at Edgbaston from July 2.