Hardik Pandya can share the new ball with Shami: VVS Laxman

Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman backed the chances of all-rounder Hardik Pandya taking up the new ball in Tests against England. India is scheduled to play 5 Tests against the visiting England. With the first Test round the corner, a lot of discussions is abuzz about the team combination. Baroda all-rounder Pandya has made it to the Test squad for the first time. Laxman feels that his addition will be one of the key aspects for the Indian team.

Speaking to PTI at the media interaction organized by Star Sports, VVS Laxman spoke about the various prospects of the series. He revealed that he is a believer of playing with 5 bowlers. Laxman reasoned out that with R Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha in form, India can afford to play 5 bowlers.  “I like the five-bowler theory. Especially the depth of this Indian team. Ashwin is in good batting form, Wriddhiman Saha in good form, Ravindra Jadeja is in good form,” quoted the former cricketer.

He further added that it would only be unfair to leave Amit Mishra out of the eleven. Mishra has been in a good run in the recent times. Mishra emerged as the Player of the Series in the ODI series against New Zealand. Laxman asserted that Mishra has the ability to put a lot of pressure on the batsmen.

“I would love to see Amit Mishra in action for the way in which he bowled against New Zealand. He is a proven match-winner, three quality spinners can put a lot of pressure on this England batting line-up,” said VVS Laxman.

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In order to include Amit Mishra in the line up, Laxman suggested that Hardik Pandya could take the new ball. His addition will leave a pace bowler’s slot void in the team. The former Indian batsman noted that Pandya is capable of doing everything that any other pacer would do. Pandya has done it in the past. He shared the new ball in the ODI series against New Zealand.

“I think that (Pandya sharing the new ball) can be an option and that’s one of the reasons that he has been drafted into the team. With Hardik, he is bowling at more than 140 kmph now, he is now more consistent in his line and length. He can also give those 10 or 15 overs that the other fast bowlers can give. Hardik will definitely be my choice,” cited the former Indian batsman.

Choosing the other pacer in the team, Laxman had no doubts over going with Mohammad Shami. Shami is lethal with his reverse swing, he noted. He said, “There will be reverse swing in Indian conditions. The dryness of the wicket will definitely scruff off the ball. I would start with Shami as I was really impressed with the way he bowled during the New Zealand series, so I would definitely go with Shami.”

Talking about the propositions of the visitors, VVS Laxman called Ben Stokes as the main man for them. He was in all praise for the English all-rounder. In addition to him, Laxman also said Jos Buttler could play a big role. “Ben Stokes is the ‘X-Factor’ that England has got. He is a match-winner both with the bat and the ball. But I would also like to see Jos Buttler play as a specialist batsman,” said Laxman.

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Adding further to it, he said that Jonny Bairstow has been good with the bat and gloves but Buttler has an aggressive intent. “Jonny Bairstow has done well both with bat and gloves but Buttler has got right approach to pressurise Indian spinners rather than playing a subdued game. So I think Buttler can also make an impact,” he added.

VVS also talked about the comeback man James Anderson. He remarked that it will be interesting to see how Anderson comes back from the injury. “Jimmy Anderson is a very experienced bowler but coming back from injury will put a lot of strain on him. We have to watch how much of a workload he can take,” he said.

Adding further to it, he said that Anderson had success in India in 2012 but that was largely aided by quality spin of Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar. It will be interesting to see how things fare up this time around.

“Also Anderson in England and India are two different propositions. Although he did well 2012 but he had support from Swann and Panesar. He used to come and bowl in short bursts. With that support not being there, we have to see how much impact Jimmy Anderson can have on this series,” said VVS Laxman.

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Among the batsmen, Laxman picked up Alastair Cook and Joe Root to be the mainstays for the visitors. He further added that Moeen Ali and Stokes can be influential too. “A lot will depend on how Alastair Cook and Joe Root bat in this series. Both of them are experienced and Joe Root along with Virat Kohli are the two most exciting batsmen in world cricket. He can play spin well, so does Cook. The defensive technique of the England batsmen will be tested. I feel Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali can have impact as far as batting is concerned,” concluded the former Indian cricketer.