Team India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has indicated that India can field three left arm spinners in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Morkel believes that the variety of bowling variations of Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja can cause trouble for the Sri Lankan batsmen in Galle.
Kuldeep has the ability to baffle batsmen with his left-arm wrist spin, Jadeja's accurate bowling can trouble even the biggest batsman, while Suthar is reminiscent of traditional style left-arm spin bowling. Suthar took 7 wickets on his Test debut against Afghanistan in Mullanpur.
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Spinners get help in Galle
Morkel told the media on Thursday, 'Kuldeep is with us and he is an aggressive bowler. His experience and level are very important for us. I think all of them are different in their own way. He further said, 'One (Suthar) turns the ball a little more, one (Jadeja) is a little more accurate and I don't think having three left-arm spinners is a big concern for us.'
Morkel said, 'It will depend on how captain Shubman Gill uses these bowlers at certain times. But if we talk about skill, they all have the ability to take 20 wickets for us. Morkel said India's spin attack gives them very aggressive options, especially considering the Galle pitch, which is expected to favor the spinners as the match progresses.
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India will field with 3 spinners – Morkel
Morkel said, 'If you look at this ground traditionally and how the matches have been played here, then I think going with three spinners is the right way to go. Looking at our spin attack, it is a very aggressive option but looking at the surface I find it to be a good pitch and I believe we will see some changes as the Tests progress.
Morkel said that the team has prepared for all types of conditions and in these conditions mental strength, batting for a long time, bowling in the right areas will be important. Apart from the experienced Mohammed Siraj, India will have to choose between Gurnoor Brar or Prasidh Krishna, who has limited experience in Test cricket, in fast bowling.
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Brar or Prasidh, who will play in Galle?
Morkel did not say who would play between Brar or Prasidh but he did say that whoever gets a place in the playing XI is capable of fulfilling his responsibility. “It's exciting,” he said. He has played a lot of domestic cricket, where bowling conditions are also difficult. The biggest challenge after coming here will be the heat and humidity.
Morkel said, 'After the Kookaburra ball becomes soft, it will be important how we bowl the overs with pace and create pressure. So from what I have seen over the past week, I am very excited about how these players rise to the challenge.
He said, 'It all depends on your mental attitude. If you are a fast bowler then the ball will become soft after 20 to 35 overs but after that what will be our next step? Morkel said, 'We have to show understanding as to how to use the crease and how to use the short ball. In all these circumstances and situations, we have to be able to take quick decisions, implement them and bowl with full energy.