India could field a rare three pronged spin attack in the opening Test against Sri Lanka, with bowling coach Morne Morkel hinting that Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar could all feature when the first Test begins in Galle on August 15. The selection call is the most fascinating question hanging over the Indian camp as they finalise their preparations.
The three spinner plan
Morkel’s comments have pointed towards an aggressive selection strategy. “In terms of skill they’ve got the skill to get the 20 wickets for us,” the South African said of the spin trio, a strong hint that India are seriously weighing up playing all three.
Jadeja, Kuldeep and Suthar offer contrasting skills. Jadeja brings control and experience, Kuldeep the ability to strike through the middle and later stages of an innings, and Suthar fresh confidence after claiming seven wickets on his Test debut against Afghanistan in June. Saransh Jain provides a further option after receiving his maiden Test call up.
The left arm angle is significant too. Three left arm spinners turning the ball away from Sri Lanka’s right handers could be a decisive factor on a Galle pitch expected to offer increasing assistance to spin as the match wears on.
The batting and wicketkeeping puzzle
The selection dilemmas do not end with the bowlers. Devdutt Padikkal is poised to slot in at number four after a strong showing in the warm up match, but the number six spot and the wicketkeeping role remain genuinely contested.
Sarfaraz Khan, recalled to the Test side after nearly two years as a replacement for the injured Sai Sudharsan, is widely regarded as the better player of spin. But Dhruv Jurel has been a Test mainstay for some time and could retain his place despite a lean warm up. Rishabh Pant, the senior wicketkeeper, had a difficult practice game, falling to off spinners in both innings, which has only added to the debate.
The pace conundrum
With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out through injury, Mohammed Siraj leads the attack. The identity of his new ball partner is the other big call. Gurnoor Brar’s raw pace and bounce make him an X factor option on a pitch that may not turn as much early on, while Auqib Nabi offers swing. Morkel has stressed patience, intensity and adaptability as the qualities India’s fast bowlers will need.
Why Galle matters
Galle has traditionally been a graveyard for touring batters, with the ball turning sharply from day three onwards. India won their last Test here in 2017 by 304 runs, with the spin of Ravichandran Ashwin to the fore. The current side, transitioning under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, will need its spinners to rediscover that control if they are to keep their World Test Championship final hopes alive.
Morkel’s hint suggests India are prepared to be bold. Whether the gamble pays off will become clear quickly once the first Test begins on Saturday.