ENG Vs IND 2018: I Will Play Ravichandran Ashwin Ahead of Kuldeep Yadav in XI: Mike Hussey

Left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav has been quite superb in his brief international career so far. He was quite impressive in the limited-overs series against England. His performance has given rise to former cricketers and pundits saying that Kuldeep deserves a chance in the playing XI for the opening Test. However going against the tide, former Australian batsman Michael Hussey feels that India should play off tweaker Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of the Kuldeep Yadav in the 5 match Test series.

“I don’t know what the selectors are thinking. Personally, I feel Ashwin should play ahead of Kuldeep. He has more than 300 Test wickets. Ashwin deserves his place in the starting XI,” Hussey was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

The opening Test is slated to be played at Birmingham from 1st August.

Earlier, Kuldeep ended up bagging 14 wickets in just five matches. It included a five-wicket and a six-wicket haul.

Moreover. Hussey feels that Ashwin will be a vital player for India against the left-handers.

On contrary, he feels that Kuldeep Yadav is still young and can learn as he gains more experience in the foreseeable future.

Ravichandran Ashwin can play a big role against the left-handers: Mike Hussey

“Ashwin against the left-handers could play a big role. Kuldeep has done brilliantly but I feel India should persist with Ashwin. Kuldeep is young and can learn along the way,” Hussey said.

The former southpaw Mike Hussey is present in India as a Star Sports Commentator for the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). He further stated that India has a great chance of winning the Test series.

“India is a good team playing good cricket. A lot of the players have been in England for a while, that is part of the battle. Getting used to the Duke balls, getting used to the pitches. It takes a while to get used to it,” he said.

“One more advantage is that they are playing later in the summer. The pitches generally are a bit more flatter. Perhaps the spinners might come into play a bit more. The weather, which is currently dry and hot, that might play into India’s hands as well. One of the keys is scoring big runs. That will put scoreboard pressure on England,” he remarked.

“England are a very good team in home conditions, they understand the conditions. They get a lot of support from their crowds. I think India has some good support as well. It should be a fantastic series,” the Australian, who was batting coach of Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), said.