Greg Chappell says lack of variety in India’s bowling attack is a concern ahead of 2nd Test against England

Former Australian batter Greg Chappell believes a lack of variety in India’s bowling attack is a concern ahead of the second Test match against England. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers in the opening Test against England as he returned with figures of 5-83 but he didn’t receive support from the other end.

Furthermore, India was poor in the field, as the tourists shelled eight catches, which led to their downfall. The former Indian head coach recalled how Harry Brook received a reprieve when he was yet to get off the mark. Brook was dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah but the ace pacer made the mistake of overstepping the crease.

“As disappointing as the fielding in Headingley was, it was not the main reason India lost the Test. Most of India’s problems were self-inflicted. Perhaps the most expensive error was the no-ball that gave Harry Brook an early life in the second innings.

“More concerning to me, though, is the lack of variety in the bowling attack. Apart from Jasprit Bumrah, India’s seamers are too similar – all right-arm, medium-fast, operating at comparable angles. There is a reason why wickets often fall after a change of bowling. It forces the batter to recalibrate. That variability isn’t available to Shubman Gill with his current crop,” wrote Chappell in his ESPNCricinfo column on Monday.

Meanwhile, Bumrah is expected to be rested in the second Test match in order to manage his workload. Chappell said India should include Arshdeep Singh in place of Bumrah whereas they should also back Kuldeep Yadav.

“Without Bumrah, I’d like to see left-armer Arshdeep Singh added to the mix and Kuldeep Yadav, possibly the best wristspinner since Shane Warne, included in the attack.

The second Test match between India and England will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from July 2nd onwards.