When the BCCI selectors announced India’s squad for the upcoming five-Test tour of England last week, there was a notable inclusion in it.

Arshdeep Singh, who has established himself as India’s leading pacer in the shortest format of the game, earned his maiden Test call-up.

Arshdeep has appeared in 63 T20Is so far, claiming 99 wickets at an average of 18.30 and an economy rate of 8.29 with the best figures of 4/9 to his name. The left-arm quick also played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph last year. In ODIs, he has picked up 14 wickets in nine matches.

With the England tour around the corner, Australian legend Ricky Ponting has advocated for Arshdeep Singh’s selection in the Indian Test XI.

Ponting, who is currently working with Arshdeep at Punjab Kings, believes that the uncapped pacer can thrive in English conditions.

“I've had a good chance to get to know him really well. He's a great character to have around the team,” Ponting said on the latest episode of The ICC Review.

“He's a fun-loving guy. He's very laid-back around the group, which is great. Which is what we all like.

“As soon as the squad was announced the other day, the Test squad, the first thing I did in our team meeting was to make sure that I acknowledged that Arshdeep had been picked in front of everybody and just congratulated him in front of everybody.

“I think it's well deserved. I think he’ll bowl well in England as well.”

Arshdeep Singh received his maiden Test call-up on the back of his stunning exploits in red-ball domestic cricket, with 66 scalps coming across 21 first-class matches.

“I would actually have him in their Test team at the start. He's very skillful,” Ponting remarked.

“I think the Dukes ball will help him in the UK as well. And I just think to have that point of difference, having a left-armer in your team, I think will be something that, if India don't do it then it'll be a bit of a surprise to me.”

Ponting also mentioned that the seamer’s county experience will come in handy for India. During his County Championship spell with Kent last year, Arshdeep took 13 wickets in five Division 1 games, with his best bowling figures being 3/58.

“He's played county cricket and he knows the conditions there as well,” Ponting stated.

“Arshdeep is close to six-foot-four, so he's going to get decent bounce...as we know in England the ball still swings when it is 30, 40 or 50 overs old.

“To have someone that's got that swing bowling ability and a left-armer I think is something that the Indian team should definitely look out for on that tour.”

Arshdeep has been exceptional in the ongoing IPL 2025 so far, claiming 18 wickets in the league phase to guide PBKS to the top of the table.

Punjab Kings face off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 of the tournament at Mullanpur on Thursday (May 29).

(With ICC Inputs)