India could field three left-arm spinners — Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar — in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, bowling coach Morne Morkel said on Thursday, describing the combination as an attacking bowling option suited to the expected pitch conditions.
India may field three left-arm spinners in Galle Test against Sri Lanka, bowling coach says
India could field three left-arm spinners — Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar — in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, bowling coach Morne Morkel said on Thursday, describing the combination as an attacking bowling option suited to the expected pitch conditions.
Morkel told media that each spinner offers a distinct skillset: Kuldeep bowls left-arm wrist spin and plays an attacking role, Jadeja brings accuracy, and Suthar delivers more traditional left-arm spin. 'They're all different in their way,' Morkel said, adding that he did not regard playing three left-arm spinners as 'a massive concern.'
Morkel said the Galle surface appeared good at present but was likely to offer more assistance to spinners as the match progressed, describing conditions there as traditionally favorable for spin-heavy line-ups. He framed the challenge for batters and bowlers alike as primarily mental, involving batting time and bowling in the right areas through heat and humidity.
The use of the three spinners, Morkel indicated, would depend on how captain Shubman Gill deploys them at various stages. 'It's just how Gill is going to use those guys at certain times. But yeah, I mean in terms of skill they've got the skill to get the 20 wickets for us,' Morkel said.
India are also weighing their second seam-bowling option alongside Mohammed Siraj, with Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna both in contention. Morkel said either player would be ready if selected, and that the primary challenge for them would be adjusting to heat and humidity rather than skill.
- The source does not state the date or start date of the first Test in Galle.
- The source does not confirm the final playing XI or whether all three left-arm spinners have been officially selected.
- The source does not include any response or comment from captain Shubman Gill on his intended use of the spinners.
- The source does not state the extent of Gurnoor Brar's and Prasidh Krishna's Test experience beyond describing it as 'limited.'
- The source does not provide Sri Lanka's team selection or their response to India's likely combination.
Read the original at The Times of India