Michael Clarke backs Kuldeep Yadav’s selection, says he has the X-factor ahead of 3rd Test against England

Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke has backed India to play Kuldeep Yadav in the third Test match against England. India backed the all-rounder spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in the second Test

While Jadeja returned with scores of 89 and 69* in the second Test, Sundar scored 42 runs in the first innings. Jadeja, who played as a solitary spinner in the opening Test, took only one wicket at Leeds and thus many expected India to add Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI for the second Test.

Jadeja and Sundar picked only one wicket each in the second innings of the second Test but both contributed with the bat. 

On the other hand, Yadav has scalped 56 wickets in 13 Test matches at an impressive average of 22.16. Against England, Kuldeep has bagged 21 wickets in six Test matches at an impressive average of 22.28.

Michael Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket podcast, “Looking at the spin. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar did a great job with the bat. Yes, they picked up a wicket each in the second innings, but I am still asking the question – Are they a better team in regards to taking 20 wickets without Kuldeep Yadav in it?”

“I think Kuldeep is ready to play in that Test team. I think he’s got that X-factor, and I thought he might’ve got an opportunity in the second Test,” he added.

The 2015 World Cup-winning captain said Prasidh Krishna, who has failed to impress in the ongoing series, will make way for Jasprit Bumrah.

Clarke added, “With Bumrah coming in, I think with regards to bowling it’s probably gonna be hard on Krishna, but I think he’s had two Test matches. I think he’ll be rested or rotated for Bumrah to come back in.”

The third Test match between India and England will be played at Lord’s, London from 10th July onwards.