By Trisha Ghosal in London
From Madhya Pradesh age-group cricket to Lord’s, via a club in Manchester — Abhay Tipnis has had quite the journey. The left-arm spinner, who was one of the net bowlers at England’s practice session before the third Test, spoke to RevSportz on being handpicked by MCC, bowling to Joe Root and Ben Stokes, and trying to bowl like Jadeja. Excerpts:
Is this your first stint as a net bowler for an international side?
No, I’ve done it before for MCC during Tests at Lord’s and also a bit in the IPL. It’s always a good experience to bowl to the top players.
How did this opportunity come about?
I play as an overseas professional for Didsbury Cricket Club in Manchester. Earlier, I played in the Middlesex League for Winsmore Hills. So MCC knows me and handpicks bowlers they think can be useful.
You still live in India though…
Yes. I’m based in Delhi now and I’ve played for Madhya Pradesh at the Under-23 level.
Today, you were called in to bowl at England’s batters ahead of the Lord’s Test. You’re a left-arm spinner — was the idea to replicate Jadeja?
Yes, that was the idea, though I say it’s not a fair comparison! They were preparing for Jadeja. Joe Root asked me to bowl a bit quicker to imitate him. No one can really replicate what he does — turning it at high 90s — but I try to bowl similar lines and lengths. I’ve grown up watching Jadeja.
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Did you manage to trouble Stokes — who in turn has been troubled by Jadeja in the past?
Not as much as Jadeja, no. He’s very good against left-arm spin. It shows how well Jadeja has bowled.
What was the chat like with Joe Root and Jeetan Patel?
Root was talking about angles — overspin vs side spin — and how on flat tracks, challenging both edges matters. He spoke about the importance of attacking the stumps, and how short leg becomes more important. Jeetan Patel spoke about the lines to bowl in England and how to hit the rough even when the pitches aren’t turning much.
How do you reflect on this experience?
It’s massive. When you go back to playing your league match or domestic cricket, the pressure feels much less. The margins are so small here — you’re constantly tested.
What’s next for you?
I go back to play for Didsbury Cricket Club on Saturday. After that, it’s about preparing for the season in India.
Final thoughts:
People criticise Jadeja for not picking wickets, especially in England. But for spinners, it’s often about control — keeping things tight, forcing pressure. That’s what players like Graeme Swann, Nathan Lyon, and Jadeja bring to the team.
Jadeja has dismissed Stokes once and has been constantly putting him under pressure bowling fast at the rough. Will this practice help him tackle Jadeja better? Will be an interesting battle to look forward to.
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