Debasis Sen in Birmingham
The ongoing second Test between India and England at Edgbaston remains delicately poised, with all three results possible. The visitors lead by 244 runs with nine wickets in hand. With the pitch likely to deteriorate further on Day 5, Shubman Gill and the Indian think-tank will be keen to set a challenging target for England. However, India’s bowling strategy has come under scrutiny—particularly the omission of Kuldeep Yadav, whose absence may be felt on a final-day wicket that could have suited his wrist-spin.
Despite expectations following India’s loss in the first Test at Headingley, Kuldeep was left out once again as the team opted for Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar as their two spinners. The selection seemed driven by the desire to bolster batting depth, as Washington is known for his all-round capabilities. He did contribute a valuable 42 off 103 balls, helping India post a commanding 587 in the first innings. However, both he and Jadeja failed to impress with the ball, going wicketless while England piled on runs through centuries from Harry Brook (158) and Jamie Smith (184).
While Mohammed Siraj (6/70) and Akash Deep (4/88) shared all 10 wickets between them in England’s first innings, the lack of impact from the spinners is a growing concern. Jadeja bowled 17 overs for 70 runs, managing only two maidens, while Sundar was more expensive, conceding 73 in 14 overs. Their pace and trajectory—mostly flat and quick—were in stark contrast to England’s Shoaib Bashir, who effectively used flight, variation, and angles to trouble India’s batters.
Former England captain Michael Atherton criticised India’s decision to play Prasidh Krishna over Kuldeep. Prasidh, with an economy rate above 5, has struggled to make an impact on his Test return. Atherton argued that India missed a trick by not playing Kuldeep, particularly in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. He also suggested that Arshdeep Singh would be a better seam option alongside Kuldeep.
Kuldeep has taken 56 wickets in 24 innings from 13 Tests and could have offered India a genuine wicket-taking option on a Day 5 pitch at Edgbaston. As things stand, the pressure will be on Jadeja and Washington to step up and support the pacers. As they say, in Test cricket, relying on lower-order runs at the expense of a potent bowling unit often backfires—and India may yet rue that choice.
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