ENG vs IND 2018: England Adds Merlyn to Counter Indian wrist spinners

England think-tank has added Merlyn to prepare against Indian wrist spinners. If you are thinking that Merlyn is some England domestic wrist spinner or a specialist coach, then you are mistaken. Merlyn is a spin bowling machine which is usually used by teams when they are set to tour to the subcontinent.

England batsmen had flounder against Kuldeep Yadav in the first T20I. Consequently, the chinaman spinner had scalped his maiden fifer in the shortest format of the game.

There is no doubt that England batsmen’s Achilles Heel is countering spin bowling. Thus, they had struggled to get going against the quality spin of Kuldeep Yadav. The English batsmen were under-prepared for the challenge. Therefore, they are looking to cover their bases against the Indian wrist spinners.

Indian Wrist spin was England’s Achilles Heel in the first T20I.

“Merlyn is a good addition. Especially when you don’t have someone to replicate bowling left-arm wrist spin. It’s ‘over-training’.  Obviously, the boys will be doing their homework,” said Jordan on Thursday (July 5).

Jordan added that the England batsmen have shown an upward swing in their improvement graph while facing spinners in the recent past. However, the Sussex fast bowler added that they need to cautious in their approach against Indian spin battery.

“We’ve got some very experienced players in our dressing-room – some very, very good players of spin. I think our record against spin since 2015 has been one of the better ones anyway. We know we probably have to be a bit smarter against Kuldeep and their (other) spinners. But if we still try to stay on the front foot as much as possible and keep putting pressure back on them, I hope we’ll be okay.”

England will aim to hit back hard.

Jordan went on to add that the first T20I defeat will not dent the confidence of the team. England has played some brilliant limited overs cricket in the recent past. Thus, one loss doesn’t change that.

“We’ve been on a high in white-ball cricket for a while now. One game, one defeat shouldn’t change our confidence whatsoever. The better team beat us on the day. It was a good spell from Kuldeep and then a very good inning from KL Rahul (who notched a century). They thoroughly deserved the win but we’ll be looking to bounce back come tomorrow (Friday).”

Chris Jordan who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad believes that he has benefitted by playing in the IPL. However, the England quick who is known for his accurate wide yorkers hasn’t received many opportunities. Jordan has played only 11 matches in the last three seasons.

“I feel as though my game has improved and evolved, even though the last couple of years I haven’t played as much as I would have liked. You’re training and playing with so many top players from around the world that you have no choice but to improve and evolve – even if it’s off the field.”