India May Opt for Three-Spinner Strategy in Must-Win Fourth Test, Says Harmison
As India prepares for the crucial fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, former England fast bowler Steve Harmison believes the visitors may consider fielding three spinners to adapt to the pitch and potentially rainy conditions. With India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, Harmison thinks including Kuldeep Yadav alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar could be a game-changing strategy.
In the previous two Tests, India stuck with two spinners—Jadeja and Sundar. While the formula worked in Edgbaston, helping India level the series, a narrow 22-run defeat at Lord’s has now placed pressure on the Shubman Gill-led side.
Speaking on JioHotstar’s cricket analysis show Follow The Blues, Harmison offered his insight into India’s team dynamics, saying,
“If there’s any venue in England that encourages spin, especially under wet and humid conditions, it’s Manchester. The pitch won’t offer much pace or bounce, but it will break up and turn significantly as the match goes on.”
Harmison pointed to the spin-friendly nature of Old Trafford and added,
“England won’t risk a three-spinner setup, even with Liam Dawson in the squad, but India just might. They already have a well-balanced side, but Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion could add another dimension. It’s about whether they can afford to drop one of their key all-rounders to make that space.”
Series at a Critical Juncture
With three of the first Tests extending into the fifth day, the emphasis has shifted toward endurance and spin effectiveness. Kuldeep Yadav, a chinaman bowler known for his variations, has been on the fringes of the squad but could now be called into action, especially if the pitch shows signs of wear by day three.
However, the challenge lies in team composition. Harmison posed a crucial question:
“How do you bring in Kuldeep without disrupting the current balance? Dropping Washington Sundar or Jadeja is a tough call—both are performing with the ball and bat.”
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah’s workload and injury concerns might also influence selection, potentially opening room for tactical changes. If Bumrah is rested or plays a limited role, India could risk playing with just two seamers and load up on spin.
England Likely to Stick to Pace Strength
Despite the spinning conditions, England is unlikely to match India’s strategy. “They’ve got Dawson, but I don’t think they’ll play him,” said Harmison, indicating England will stick with a traditional pace-heavy approach supported by Joe Root’s part-time off-spin.
England’s confidence is high following their close win at Lord’s, and they’ll aim to seal the series in Manchester before heading into the final Test.
India’s Options
As India ponders a strategy for the turning pitch and possibly rain-affected days, the following decisions loom:
- Retain the current playing XI: Stick with Sundar and Jadeja, and rotate fast bowlers to manage fatigue.
- Bring in Kuldeep Yadav: Risk dropping a seamer or Sundar for a three-spinner attack.
- Monitor weather and pitch conditions: Make a final call after observing the track on match day morning.
This Test could define the tone for Indian cricket’s overseas campaign and might test the leadership acumen of Shubman Gill, who has taken over the reins amid injuries to key players like Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant.
Final Thoughts from The Trending People
As the fourth Test approaches, India finds itself at a tactical crossroads. While three spinners may sound excessive in English conditions, the nature of the Manchester pitch and the match situation might just justify it. The bigger question is—who will make way?
With a win essential to stay alive in the series, India must strike the right balance between aggression and stability. Whether Kuldeep Yadav gets the nod could be the key to tilting the Test in India’s favour.