"Kuldeep Yadav is a good spinner to have against Bazball" - Sanjay Manjrekar ahead of 3rd Test

Following India‘s 106-run victory in Visakhapatnam, Sanjay Manjrekar addressed key strategies and potential changes for the upcoming third Test. Sanjay Manjrekar expressed satisfaction with India’s tactics against England’s Bazball approach in the first two Tests.

Former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum has instilled an aggressive playing style as England’s Test coach in 2022, alongside captain Ben Stokes. This aggressive style has revamped Test cricket strategy, resulting in successes on the field at home and away.

The English team defeated the Rohit Sharma-led team by 28 runs during the series opener in Hyderabad. However, the home team bounced back in the second Test to complete a 106-run win. As a result, Team India leveled the ongoing five-match series at 1-1.

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They Are Getting Better – Sanjay Manjrekar

When asked about India’s strategy against Bazall, Sanjay Manjrekar expressed satisfaction, noting improvements in their performance. He specifically praised Ashwin’s performance and highlighted Kuldeep Yadav’s effectiveness as a spinner against Bazball.

“They are getting better. Ashwin certainly is, and Kuldeep Yadav is a good spinner to have against Bazball,” Manjrekar told ESPNCricinfo.

Ravichandran Ashwin struggled in the first innings, remaining wicketless and conceding 61 runs in 12 overs. Kuldeep Yadav, who replaced the injured Ravindra Jadeja, delivered an impressive performance, claiming three wickets while conceding 71 runs in his 17 overs.

In the second innings, Ashwin provided a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Ben Duckett. The 37-year-old then dismissed Ollie Pope and Joe Root, concluding with impressive figures of 3/72 in 18 overs. Kuldeep finished with less impactful figures of 1/60 in 15 overs.

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Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer Should Work On It – Sanjay Manjrekar

Manjrekar highlighted concerns over the batting approach of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. The former Indian cricketer suggested that the duo should focus on enhancing this aspect. He noted that Rohit Sharma is yet to achieve a substantial score in the series.

“Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer will still have issues with defence. They should try and work on it. Also, Rohit Sharma is due for a big score,” Manjrekar added.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s remarkable 209 in the first innings and Shubman Gill’s 104 in the second were standout performances. Rohit Sharma scored 27 runs across both innings during the match. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer registered scores of 27 runs and 29 runs in two innings.

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Washington Sundar Can Come Into The Playing XI – Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar suggested that if Rahul and Kohli remain unavailable, it would make sense for India to go with only one fast bowler. Manjrekar stated that Washington Sundar could enter the playing XI as a spin all-rounder.

“Makes some sense to go in with just one fast bowler if Rahul doesn’t fit and Kohli remains unavailable. Then, Washington Sundar can come into the playing XI,” Manjrekar further stated.

The Indian team fielded two pacers in the first two matches. Mohammed Siraj failed to pick up a wicket in the series opener. Mukesh Kumar replaced him in the second match. However, Mukesh proved to be expensive with the ball and managed to take only one wicket.

The third Test match between India and England is scheduled to be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, starting on Thursday, February 15.

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