‘Kuldeep, Jadeja & Ashwin Could be a Possibility’: Ex-WC Champ Suggests Spin-heavy Attack vs ENG

Legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh feels that India should rest Mohammed Siraj and include Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing XI against England if the surface at Lucknow assists the spinners. Team India is the only side that has been unbeaten so far in this ongoing World Cup with five wins in a row. Facing England might not be a tough challenge for India which was expected at the start of the tourney as Jos Buttler and Co. have been in poor form losing four of their five matches.

However, India won’t take England lightly considering they still have several stars in the line-up who are raring to bounce back to produce a miraculous comeback for their team in the tournament.

ICC World Cup: Schedule | Results | Points Table | Most Runs | Most Wickets

Harbhajan asserted that England don’t play spin well and looking at their current form, India should include the three spinners on a track which is expected to be a turning one.

“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. 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,” Harbhajan opined on his official YouTube channel.

The veteran spinner suggested that to make way for Ashwin, India can rest Mohammed Siraj who has played back-to-back matches.

“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,” he added.

However, the 43-year-old said that in case there is not a lot of turn then it will be better for India to continue the winning combination.

“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. The team that played against New Zealand might be retained. However, India is playing England, so they might want a slow pitch,” he elaborated.

India will face England on October 29 at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, a win there will almost seal India’s place in the semifinals.