The Indian team management will be scratching their heads and expecting to produce the right combination for the first Test in Adelaide. The players have had a fair practice going into the longest format for the first time after COVID-19 and the selectors have had a good eye on these performances.
It is expected that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami will be confirmed picks for the Day/Night Test starting on Thursday, December 17. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif, who is an expert with Sony Sports, wants Umesh Yadav to be the third pacer for India.
Kaif told Sony Sports Network, "For me, it will be Umesh Yadav because Ishant Sharma is not there who had played an important role when India won the series last time. He had gelled very well with Shami and Bumrah, the three fast bowlers plus Ashwin plus Vihari part-time off-spin. Ishant Sharma was bowling with the new ball."
"He was giving the early breakthroughs, getting Finch leg-before or bowled. He was always after Finch. He used to set the tone and after that Shami and Bumrah did their job," he added.
Umesh Yadav played the first practice game against Australia A and picked 4 wickets. He bowled 24 overs, with 4 maidens, conceded 62 runs, and returned with the wickets of Will Pucovski and Tim Paine once and that of Joe Burns in both innings.
Kaif said, "Umesh did well in the practice match. So, he can be a good replacement. He has been erratic at times but he has played 45-46 Test matches. He has the experience and has toured Australia previously."
"He has the build, he is known for his fitness, he can bowl the long spells as well and will not get injured or unfit. That is also a plus point with him. So, according to me, India should go with Mohammad Shami, Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, and Ashwin in the first Test match," the 40-year-old said.
(With inputs from Hindustan Times)
