 "Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna during a match against Australia. Image: AP")
India are preparing to begin their five-match Test series against England from 20 June at Headingley in Leeds. With some senior players like Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami no longer part of the red-ball setup, the Indian bowling attack will look quite different this time.
Shubman Gill has been named the new Test captain, and Rishabh Pant will be his deputy. The selectors have gone for a mix of experience and young talent, and some new bowlers could get their first big chance in this series. Let’s take a look at what India’s bowling attack could be for the first Test match.
Spinners: Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav
Since R Ashwin has retired, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav will now be India’s main spinners. Jadeja is one of the best all-rounders in the world and brings a lot of balance to the team. Kuldeep, on the other hand, has impressed a lot in the recent past and has improved his batting as well.
Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna
India are expected to go with three full-time fast bowlers and one pace-bowling all-rounder at Headingley. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack. He has been in good form and remains one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket.
Mohammed Siraj is expected to be the second pacer. He has played many important matches for India in the past two years and brings a lot of energy and aggression to the team. Siraj can bowl long spells and pick up key wickets.
Prasidh Krishna could be the third seamer. He has been in and out of the team due to injuries, but he has the pace and bounce to trouble batters in England. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh, who has received his maiden Test call-up, could be another option for India.
India’s predicted bowling lineup for 1st Test vs England:
Ravindra Jadeja
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj
Prasidh Krishna/Arshdeep Singh