Former India captain Anil Kumble has urged Ravindra Jadeja to step up in the absence of veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the ongoing third Test against England. Ashwin pulled out of the squad midway of the contest, flying back to Chennai to attend to his ill mother. India have brought Devdutt Padikkal as a substitute fielder, but he will not be able to bat or bowl for the remainder of the match. India are a player down with just four regular bowlers in their arsenal.
Kumble feels while it is harsh to lose a matchwinner like Ashwin, India will have to come up with a plan to contain the England batters.
“It’s tough when a match-winner like Ashwin misses out on a big day when he was needed. We saw the damage he can do, picked up his 500th Test wicket. But India will have to come up with a plan to get England out because they’re going to score runs,” Kumble told the broadcasters ahead of the start of play on Day 3.
Kumble emphasised that Jadeja’s role, along with the pacers, will become more crucial in the absence of Ashwin.
“The fast-bowlers will become that much more important because there was some reverse swing. Bumrah and Siraj’s role will become more crucial and more importantly Jadeja will have to lead the spin attack. Jadeja will have to come to the party on his home ground in Rajkot,” he added.
The Indian bowlers did come out with all guns blazing on Day 2. England resumed at 208/2, but could only add 111 runs to their overnight score. They were bowled out for 319 with India gaining a 126-run lead in the first innings.
While Jadeja did take two wickets, Mohammed Siraj was the star of the show with four scalps to his name.
India were 44/1 heading into Tea on Day 3, leading England by 170 runs.
