By Prasad Mohapatra
Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar had backed Arshdeep Singh to feature in the second Test against England but the team management opted for Akash Deep instead. Jasprit Bumrah was rested to manage his workload and Akash Deepmdashwho last played in Australiamdashwas brought in as his replacement.
Although Arshdeep is yet to make his red-ball debut for India he has been a standout performer in white-ball cricket. Currently he is Indias top bowler in T20Is.
In the first Test Bumrah claimed five wickets in the first innings but went wicketless in the second. Meanwhile the other pacersmdashMohammed Siraj Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakurmdashdelivered lackluster performances. Their struggles contributed to Indiarsquos five-wicket loss as the team failed to defend a 371-run target in the final innings.
quotArshdeep Singh brings the left-arm angle. He has a complete skill setmdashcan swing the ball both ways and delivers accurate yorkers and sharp bouncers. Plus he has bowled in these conditions beforequot Gavaskar said.
Arshdeep has previously played in the County Championship and is familiar with the line and length required to succeed on English pitches.