England vs India 2018: Mohinder Amarnath Backs Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja for Lord's Test

Former India cricketer, Mohinder Amarnath has backed Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravindra Jadeja to start in the second of the five-match Test series against England at Lord’s commencing on August 9 (Thursday).

Meanwhile, India gears up for the second Test following a 31-run loss at Edgbaston. It was an enthralling four days of cricket, but the Three Lions kept their nerves to rope in the match.

The has been a debate whether to bring back Cheteshwar Pujara in the first XI and veteran Amarnath has backed the decision. He feels in challenging conditions, Pujara is the best asset India have.

Despite being in poor form, Amarnath feels his ability to spend time in the crease sets him apart.

“The team selection needs to be looked into. When batsmen are struggling with the moving ball, it might be a good idea to induct Cheteshwar Pujara into the side. I know he is not in great form, but he has the ability to occupy the crease and just needs time in the middle to rediscover his touch,” Amarnath wrote in TOI.

Ravindra Jadeja over Hardik Pandya at Lord’s: Mohinder Amarnath

Amarnath is also of the view that it will be a good idea to play Jadeja ahead of Hardik Pandya. Amarnath believes his partnership with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will make things tough for the England batsmen.

Ashwin and Jadeja have done impeccably well for India in the past particularly while donning the whites. Moreover, both of them have experience of playing in England.

Amarnath thinks Jadeja is the kind of player who will add stability to this team.

“It might also be a good idea to play Ravindra Jadeja instead of Hardik Pandya. Jadeja’s spin might be a good foil for the pace trio and Ashwin, and he might also contribute with the bat. It is unfortunate that Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was so good on the last tour, is out but Jadeja might give the team balance,” Amarnath added.

In conclusion, the expert noted the batsmen need to look at Virat Kohli and pull their game together for India. Moreover, the inclusion of Cheteshwar Pujara will benefit the team big time.

The second Test will be held at Lord’s on August 9.