Michael Vaughan unimpressed with India's decision to play with all-pace attack in Perth

Ahead of the crucial second Test against Australia, India sprung a huge surprise by not including a single spinner in the playing eleven. The visitors included speedster Umesh Yadav in place of injured Ravichandran Ashwin for the ongoing game in Perth. Just a couple of days ahead of the Perth Test, Ashwin along with Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the contest owing to injuries. And when India named Ravindra Jadeja in the 13-man squad, it looked more than likely that the left-arm spinner would lead the spin attack in the absence of Ashwin.

However, with the Perth curator coming up with a bouncy and fast pitch, Team India ditched its usual plan in overseas Tests which sees them play three pacers along with a spinner. Consequently, Jadeja missed out while Umesh turned out to be lucky. On the other hand, Australia did not take such a gamble and kept Nathan Lyon in the playing eleven along with the three pacers.

Michael Vaughan unimpressed

Only time will tell how successful would be India’s bold call of playing a Test without a frontline spinner. But for the time being, former England skipper Michael Vaughan believes the visitors have made a big mistake by not including Jadeja in the playing eleven. The Ashes-winning skipper pointed out that Jadeja would have contributed not only with the ball but also with the bat.

Vaughan also tipped Australia to win the ongoing game, tweeting, “Think India have made a mistake not playing @imjadeja … Not only for his bowling but his Batting at No 8 … India have a very long tail this Week … Aussies to win …”

Well, given Jadeja’s recent performances, India could have given him a chance. The allrounder would have provided the much-needed solidarity to the lower-order with his impressive batting abilities. After missing out in the playing eleven for the entire South Africa series and the first four Tests in England, Jadeja was finally given a chance to prove his worth in the fifth Test and he grabbed the opportunity with both the hands.

He took seven wickets in the game and scored 86 not out in the first innings. In the succeeding series against Windies, he scored his first Test hundred.

~ Written by Bijoy

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