ENG v IND 2018: Mohammad Azharuddin bats for Kuldeep and Ashwin in playing XI for Tests

Azhar also opined that yo-yo test should be conducted before the team is selected.

R Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav | AFP

One of the few batsmen to dominate the England side in England, Mohammad Azharuddin has said that India should go in with two spinners in the Test series. The two spinners he opted for are R Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav. Azhar opined because of the dry wickets in England during this time.

Mohammad Azharuddin was part of the 1986 Indian team that defeated England in their own backyard.

England will find it very difficult to dislodge India because they don’t have a good bowling attack. We have a very strong side. There are only two (good) bowlers they have — (James) Anderson and (Stuart) Broad, but they are injury prone and in the twilight of their careers,” Azhar told PTI in an interview.

If it’s a green pitch then they may go with 4-1, but I think 3-2 will be a better combination if you want to win. Because, later the pitches will get dry. It will be hot and the pitches would offer turn especially on the last two days,” he said about the best combination India should go with.

The only chance England will have is, if they give green tops, but if they give green tops they will also struggle, because we also have very good swing bowlers,” said Azhar.

Azhar was full of praise for Kuldeep Yadav and said, “He is performing so he should be picked and the England side is struggling (against) him. Ashwin and Yadav should play. I don’t think Jadeja will make the cut.

Azhar also felt if the team decided to go for a 4-1 combination, then Ashwin could be the lone spinner because of his experience. Asked whether the ‘Yo-Yo’ test is the best method to judge fitness, Azhar said, “It should be conducted before the team is selected, not after.”

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 22 Jul, 2018

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