IND vs AUS: “India will have to add another..” – Pujara unsure of India’s two-spinner ploy

While the world feels that the Indian team might go with an extra spinner in the IND vs AUS MCG Test, starting on Dec 26, batter Cheteshwar Pujara thinks otherwise. The latter has expressed his desire, that India need an extra pacer against the hosts, despite Jasprit Bumrah’s excellent form till now in the series.

Get Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna

The 31-year-old Bumrah has so far bagged 21 wickets in the series, at an average of 10.90 only. Speaking with ESPNCricinfo. Pujara added, that India should look to go either with Prasidh Krishna, or get back Harshit Rana, apart from Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep.

“I think the bowling lineup is something which India needs to work on. I feel that Bumbrah, Siraj and Akash Deep, they are doing a good job. Jadeja and Nitish both have contributed well with the bat, but we are lacking one bowler and India will have to add another bowler if possible and maybe try and reduce a batter. I don’t know. I’m unable to find the right 11 at the moment because I don’t see a lot of changes going into the next Test match,” he said.

IND vs AUS, MCG Test

The team’s spin department has also come under scrutiny following Ravichandran Ashwin’s shock retirement after the Brisbane Test. Currently, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar lead the spin attack, but the pace-friendly conditions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground may limit their impact. While the inclusion of domestic talent Tanush Kotian adds depth to the squad, his role in Melbourne appears uncertain.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Rohit Sharma will open the batting and KL Rahul will play at No. 3. A report in Times of India also suggests, that India would opt for two spinners in Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, while Nitish Kumar Reddy will miss out in the fourth Test.