Brad Hogg picks India's bowling line-up for the first Test against England

As the India and England Test series is approaching, there has been all kinds of speculation as to what the Indian team would look like when they take the field in the first Test. In the last Test match which India played in Brisbane, the Indian team had a combination of very inexperienced players. Some of the bowlers who were in that match are not even in the squad for this series. 

Former Australian bowler, Brad Hogg gave his views on the bowling line-up for India in the first Test. The series is scheduled to begin at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from February 5, 2021. The second Test match will also be played at the same venue from February 13. While speaking in one of his YouTube videos, Hogg said that he would want to play with three pacers in the Indian team. He revealed that he would pick Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, and Mohammed Siraj because of the variety which they bring to the pace attack.

The two spinners that I would play will be Ashwin and Patel: Brad Hogg

“For India, I will have Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, and Siraj. All three quicks complement each other. Bumrah – quick, can attack the stumps, can move the ball both ways. Ishant Sharma – slightly higher, a little bit of extra bounce, and Siraj comes from a slightly different angle,” said Brad Hogg.

Speaking further, he also talked about the spin attack. He suggested India should play Axar Patel, the left-arm spinner, who got a maiden call-up to the Test team, along with Ravichandran Ashwin. Surprisingly, he also talked about Hardik Pandya, who according to him can be a perfect third seamer instead of Siraj, but wasn’t sure whether he is fit enough for bowling. 

“The two spinners that I would play will be Ashwin and Patel. Ashwin, well, he is the more experienced player. Patel adds a little bit of variety by turning the ball away from the right-handers. If Hardik Pandya can’t bowl 20 overs, I won’t be playing him instead of Siraj,” he further added.

Ravindra Jadeja has been ruled out of this series due to an injury. Axar Patel would be the like-for-like replacement for Jadeja but Washington Sundar who played a complete all-rounder’s role in the Gabba Test would also be in line to keep his spot in the side. Kuldeep Yadav is also there in the squad.