England vs India 2018: Bharat Arun Speaks on Team Combination ahead of Lord's Test

Team India bowling coach Bharat Arun addressed the press conference ahead of the second Test between India and England, which begins on Thursday (August 9th) at the Lord’s.

Arun, during the press conference, conceded Jasprit Bumrah is bowling fine in the nets. However, it will be early to rush him, and hence Bumrah remains out of contention for the Lord’s Test.

When asked whether there is a possibility of playing two spinners, Arun said the decision will be taken accessing the conditions at Lord’s tomorrow and day after.

“I think we will take a call tomorrow taking a look at the wicket. I think our bowlers have done extremely well in the last game. So we really need to look at the strategic change depending on the wicket. Playing the 2^nd spinner is a good choice but a tough one too. Depending on the conditions and the team we will take a call on that,” Arun said at the press conference.

England vs India: There is room for improvement for the bowlers says Arun 

He felt there is still room for improvement for the Indian bowlers. However, Bharat Arun praised the bowlers for doing a great job. He was also satisfied with the improvement of the bowlers from the 1^st to the 2^nd innings.

“There is still room for improvement but our bowlers did a good job. There was huge improvement from the 1^st innings to the 2^nd innings and it is extremely welcome,” he said.

Bharat Arun defended his batters for their failure in the opening Test. He stated barring Virat Kohli and Joe Root all the other batsmen were troubled against swinging deliveries.

“I think the batsmen on both the sides found it difficult. If you look at the way the scores have turned up it is only Virat Kohli and Joe Root have come up in contention with the moving ball. I think the conditions were trying. Batsmen from both the teams found it difficult. I am sure the challenge is there for us to adapt to these conditions better and we have our plans in place,” Arun said.

Bharat Arun feels Umesh Yadav is at his best when he runs in and bowls fast

The bowling coach of India team also feels speedster Umesh Yadav is at his best when he is in the rhythm and bowling quick. He felt that trying to bowl in one area rather than concentrating on pace was the major problem for Umesh in the first innings. However, Arun was impressed that Umesh struck to his strengths.

“Umesh Yadav is at his best when he bowls quick. I think in the 1^st innings he was bowling like to a particular line. But in the 2^nd innings, he was being himself,” said.

Bharat Arun was confident of Hardik Pandya coming up with impressive performances in the remaining Tests. He feels Hardik did an exceptional job in South Africa. Hence, there is no reason why he can’t come into the act here.

“He is technically pretty good. He has great potential for us. The less the Hardik bowls it augurs well for the team. The other bowlers have done very well. Not taking any credit away from Hardik. But I am sure Hardik did an exceptional job for us in South Africa, and I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t come to the party here,”

Meanwhile, we witnessed players like Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik batting outside their crease. When asked about the same, Arun said it was indeed a conscious effort.

“It is definitely a conscious call. They did that in the practice game as well. They feel that they have more option by going up to the stump rather than staying back in the crease. Also, you are cutting the amount of swing. I guess it worked very well for the two of them (referring to Karthik and Kohli).”

Here is the press conference,

https://www.facebook.com/IndianCricketTeam/videos/1974446162577067/