India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel said India are open to playing three spinners when they take on Sri Lanka in Galle in the first of a two-Test series, starting on August 15. Historically spinner-friendly, the pitch at Galle remains unknown two days out from the Test match, but India are armed with options to ensure they have the tools to find success.
India have picked four spinners in their squad, with uncapped off-spinner Saransh Jain replacing an injured Washington Sundar. However, it appears likely that India will go in with the experience of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, along with Manav Suthar.
It would mean three left-arm spinners in the XI, but Morkel believes there is enough variety despite all three bowling left-arm spin.
“Kuldeep is there, and he’s the attacking sort of bowler and for us, his experience and class can’t look past. So yeah, I think for us they’re all different in their way,” Morkel told the media in Galle on Thursday during India’s first training session at the venue.
“So one (Suthar) turns a bit more, one (Jadeja) is slightly more accurate and I don’t think it’s a (three left-arm spinners) massive concern for us.
“It’s just how Gill is going to use those guys at certain times. But yeah, I mean in terms of skill they’ve got the skill to get the 20 wickets for us,” he added.
All three spinners had their work cut out during the three-day practice match against Sri Lanka XI at the NCC. Kuldeep bowled 18 overs in the first innings and was not given the ball in the second to manage his workload. Saransh bent his back, but the off-spinner lacked the control and penetration that would have forced the team management to think about him being in the XI.
TURN AFTER THE FIRST TWO DAYS?
Morkel, who had a look at the pitch two days before the match, stressed the importance of doing the hard work on a pitch like Galle, which he believes will start deteriorating as the game stretches into the final few days.
“Traditionally, also if you look at the venue, how it stacks and how it’s been played up, that’s sort of the way (three spinners) to go I think. The way we go with our spin bowling attack or spinners, it’s a very attacking option,” Morkel said.
“But looking at the surface, you know, to me, looks like a good surface, and I think as the Test goes on, you know, something will start to happen,” he added.
Historically, spinners have averaged 31.01 with 1,032 wickets in 49 matches at Galle, while pace has accounted for 477 wickets at an average of 36.18.
The importance of the toss also comes into play, as teams average around 40 in the first innings, while that figure dips to less than 28 i
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