India and England to clash on October 29, Sunday in Lucknow.
Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh admitted the possibility of India fielding a spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and R Ashwin in their next ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against England. The match is to be played at the Ekana stadium in Lucknow.
The 2011 World Cup winner highlighted England's struggle against spin bowling, and Team India should make the most of it to extend their winning streak in the ongoing tournament.
However, the former Indian spinner believes that the Men in Blue could retain their playing XI that played against New Zealand for their crucial match against England on October 29, especially if the pitch is normal in Lucknow.
Well, the cricket expert believes that introducing three spinners might be a sensible choice, especially if the pitch favors turn.
Harbhajan Singh said on his official YouTube channel: “Kuldeep Yadav’s form has been good, but I wonder if we will get to see three spinners play in the next game - Kuldeep, [Ravindra] Jadeja and Ashwin. It could be a possibility since England do not play spin well.”
He added, “As it is, England are not playing well in the World Cup, and if the ball starts spinning, I don’t think they will be able to do much better. Playing three spinners might not be a bad option.”
Moreover, Harbhajan also suggested Team India rest Mohammed Siraj, who played all five matches at CWC 2023. He also hailed Mohammad Shami's impressive fifer against New Zealand.
The former spinner explained, “Siraj can be rested. He has played back-to-back games. Shami has just come into the playing XI and has claimed a five-fer. If a pitch is a normal one and is not expected to offer a lot of turn, then I do not see too many changes in the team.”
Harbhajan signed off by saying, “The team that played against New Zealand might be retained. However, India is playing England, so they might want a slow pitch.”