Ian Chappell talks about ‘The Problem’ India could face in the future while selecting players


Ian Chappell talks about ‘The Problem’ India could face in the future while selecting players

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Professional cricket has been suspended since March due to the Coronavirus pandemic. But, after the lockdown 4.0 Indian government allowed to open sports complex and stadiums but without spectators. And it is assuming that cricket action will be back in the coming future.

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However, the Cricket governing body of Australia has recently announced the schedule of Border Gavaskar Trophy against India in the month of December. This series going to be tough for India because Warner and Smith are back in the team after serving a year ban of ball-tampering. Former Australian cricketer Ian Chappell has talked about the problem that India could face in the near future while selecting players.

Indian team has three spinners to pick in the test squad. Ravichandran Ashwin who is experienced and one of the most successful test spinner. Ravindra Jadeja is an all-rounder who can bat on 7 or 8 number and can provide bowling strength. Third is Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav, who has not played so much of test cricket and can be a game changer on Australian pitches

“Choosing a spinner will prove a major headache for the Indian selectors. R Ashwin has a great overall record, but not so much in Australia. Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round talents and improved bowling form make him a legitimate challenger, while Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist-spin is the biggest wicket-taking threat on Australian pitches. The decision will call for brave selections,” he reckoned.

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Chappell believes that India should pick all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the Test squad because he can take down the pressure with his destructive batting and also could act as a third pacer. He has recently recovered from his back injury and now he is looking stronger.

“It will help if Hardik Pandya is available. He gives India an extra bowling option to maintain the pressure when the leading fast bowlers need a rest,” Chappell wrote his column for ‘ESPNCricinfo’. This is Pandya’s chance to gradually build up overs in the three Tests before the SCG match, where he could act as the third seamer so that a second spinner can be included,” Chappell said.

“Having Pandya at seven would necessitate Rishabh Pant keeping and batting at six.” he added.

Last year, under the Kohli’s captaincy, India created a history by winning a maiden Test series against Australia in Australia.

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India’s biggest challenge going to be Australian batting line up which now doesn’t depend too much on Warmer and Smith. In the last series, against India, Australian batsmen played very well even in the absence of their two big scorers Warner and Smith.

“India’s biggest challenge will be navigating a strong Australian batting line-up. In addition to Smith and Warner, the meteoric rise of Marnus Labuschagne at No. 3 has helped solidify the batting,” Chappell wrote.

“Australia are now far less reliant for success on big contributions from Smith and Warner,” he added.

Chappell feels that the Australian bowling attack is in good shape but he is not sure about the skills of openers Joe Burns.
“The pace bowling is in great shape, with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and James Pattinson forming a potent quartet. The spinner is a simple decision – Nathan Lyon and then daylight. The batting line-up is not as clear cut. The recently announced contract list suggests Joe Burns will be Warner’s opening partner. Burns is vulnerable early and this is India’s big opportunity to first get at Labuschagne and then Smith while the ball is new.” he said.

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“Australia’s middle order is an uncertain quantity, with Travis Head, Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh vying for two spots. That middle-order fragility highlights the rewards on offer for keeping Smith, Warner and Labuschagne in check.”Chappell said that Warner’s opening partner is a weakness India should exploit.”Warner’s opening partner is an area of weakness that India need to fully exploit, but keeping the ‘big three’ quiet should be the attack’s main focus,” he added.

Chappell feels Australia’s potent bowling attack will keep a check on the dangerous Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, who was the star of India’s breakthrough 2-1 series win over last time.

“Australia’s strong attack should restrict India’s scoring to reasonable levels despite the daunting presence of Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara. This heavyweight bout will be decided by who punches above their weight – Australia’s ‘big three’ or India’s ‘big bats’.”