ENG vs IND: Shubman Gill hints at India's bowling composition for second test at Edgbaston

Shubman Gill-led India lost the first test at Headingley, Leeds.

India captain Shubman Gill stated that although fielding two spinners at Edgbaston is not customary, the stadium has not seen the regular English weather this summer due to the unusually dry circumstances; thus, playing two spinners may be advantageous.

India appear to have decided to include either Washington Sundar or Kuldeep Yadav in the starting lineup in addition to Ravindra Jadeja after missing a second spinner on day five in Leeds.

India failed to defend a 371-run target against England as Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless as Ben Duckett’s sublime 149-run knock was the cornerstone for England’s five-wicket win in Leeds.

“It isn’t usual to play two spinners here, but we have not had typical weather here. There has not been enough rain. In the last match also, we felt that if we had an extra spinner in the 4th innings, the game could have been better,” Gill said while speaking at the pre-match press conference.

“There were some patches in the wicket that we could have exploited. Whenever Jaddu Bhai was bowling, we felt that chances were being created. We felt that it is easier to contain the runs for spinners than for pacers when the ball is old,” Gill added.

Ravindra Jadeja was extremely poor on day five and couldn’t get the ball to turn or bounce on a worn-out pitch.

Kuldeep Yadav or Washington Sundar? – Shubman Gill talks about the batting depth dilemma

While selecting Kuldeep will be an attacking option, selecting Sundar will be a more conservative move. However, the former is superior to Kuldeep in providing a much-needed batting cushion.

Shubman further stated, “We also feel that it is easier for spinners to contain runs than fast bowlers, especially when the ball gets old. If you don’t take wickets, it becomes very difficult. We bowled well but dropped a few catches too. It’s not easy when you are constantly dropping catches.”

The inclusion of Kuldeep in the starting lineup has been demanded by numerous former cricket players. It is difficult to leave him on the bench, the India captain acknowledged.

“I guess you would want batting depth till No. 7… and if your No. 8 can bat a little bit. If you are going to No. 9, it is difficult to take 20 wickets. If we are able to go with four or five premier bowlers and have our batting till No. 7 or 8, it would be a good combination,” Gill said.

India have played eight tests at the Edgbaston Stadium and has lost seven and drawn one.

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