Cricinfo – India in familiar selection quandary
The above article by Sidharth Monga previewing the 1st test, states that India likely to play 5 bowlers. So who will be the 5 bowlers? Zaheer & Kumble are certainties. VRV Singh has played 4 tests and taken 5 wickets at 74 apiece with an economy rate of 3.91. Munaf Patel on the other hand has played 7 tests and taken 25 wickets at 29 apiece with an economy rate of 2.90. So Munaf will have to play on the strength of his record and past performances. Now comes the tricky part. Can we play 3 spinners? Given the nature of the wickets and the weather conditions, a third fast bowler is preferable to 3rd spinner. Afterall we do have Sachin to bowl a few overs.
What about the batting? Dravid, Jaffer, Sachin are certainties. I personally think Yuvraj does not have a place. If Karthik has been picked as an opener then Laxman or Dhoni may get the axe. If Dhoni has to play then Dravid will open and they will drop Karthik. My personal prediction of the likely lineup in batting order
Jaffer
Karthik
Dravid
Sachin
Sourav
Laxman
Powar
Kumble
Zaheer
VRV Singh
Munaf
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The last time India went into a Test with five bowlers, it allowed England to square a home series in Mumbai. But this time it makes sense.