IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: Kuldeep Yadav picks up from where he had left off
By Somshuvra Laha, Visakhapatnam
Feb 03, 2024 09:02 PM IST
Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist spinner, made a remarkable comeback as he picked three crucial wickets on Day 2 of the 2nd Test match at Visakhapatnam, marking his return to Test cricket since December, 2022.
Yadav’s early inclusion in the bowling attack, ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel, did not go unnoticed. His ability to grip the almost new ball with a prominent seam allowed for a better grip and consistent bounce, posing a challenge for the England batsmen.
England opener Zak Crawley, who top-scored with 76 in the first innings, acknowledged the challenge of facing left-arm leg spin, highlighting Yadav’s variations and different angle, making it a new challenge for the batsmen.
With Ravindra Jadeja sidelined due to injury and Axar Patel not delivering a strong performance, Yadav’s selection proved to be crucial. Playing his first Test since December 2022, Yadav showcased his skill, maintaining an economy rate of 4.17, which was commendable considering England’s aggressive batting approach.
Yadav’s 17 overs displayed a tantalizing range of flight and dip, keeping the England batters guessing. His ability to mix up his bowling variations was evident in Ben Duckett’s dismissal, where he flighted the ball and got it to dip late, preventing Duckett from reaching the pitch of the ball.
The return of Kuldeep Yadav has undoubtedly added a new dimension to India’s bowling attack, and his performance in the 2nd Test against England has reignited the excitement for cricket enthusiasts.
