Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has backed India to play two spinners – Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, in the third Test against England at Headingley in Leeds, starting August 25 (Wednesday). While Virat Kohli has vouched to stick to his set template, Vaughan believes it will be a shocker if Ashwin doesn’t get the nod in the third tie.
Meanwhile, Ashwin’s exclusion from the playing XI from the first Test against England in Nottingham came as a shock to many. The veteran spinner was once again left out of the playing XI for the second Test at Lord’s. Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that he was close to playing in London but a spell of showers ahead of the toss forced India to change their playing XI.
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 22, 2021
While it remains to be seen if India make a change to their winning combinations but Michael Vaughan claimed he will be surprised if Ashwin fails to make the cut for the third Test.
“It looks like it’s a very good week, it’s going to be very dry, nice and sunny so I’d be amazed if Ashwin doesn’t play this week. I think they will go with three pacers and two spinners, and I think that will be the right call at Headingley, it also packs the batting. Play your three out and out, outstanding quick bowlers. Maybe Ishant Sharma would miss out even though he bowled a nice spell on the last day at Lord’s,” Vaughan said on Cricbuzz.
Headingly wicket has offered spin in last few years: Michael Vaughan
Hello and welcome to the Headingley Stadium, Leeds. Our venue for the 3rd Test against England.#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/H16mwNpXBs
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 22, 2021
Michael Vaughan believes the pitch at Headingley to be a bit dry and with little or no rain interference predicted, the spinners might get help. He added:
“The last few years after seeing the England team play there and even county cricket, it’s got quite a bit of spin. You can get a bit of spin. It generally comes on Day 3, 4 and 5 but spin can play a part at Leeds.”