New Delhi: He might still be a ‘work in progress’ but Hardik Pandya could take a cue from Ben Stokes’ bowling during the ongoing series, which could prove to be a ‘defining one’ in the all-rounder’s career, feels Ian Chappell.
The former Australian captain also feels that Pandya should be batting at No.6 in the current line-up. “India’s search for a seam-bowling all-rounder is still a work in progress but Pandya displayed determination and discipline to go with his undoubted skills in an important partnership with Kohli,” Chappell wrote in his column for ESPN Cricinfo.
“Perhaps a move to No.6 would further bolster his batting confidence and if he can also profit from watching Stokes’ efforts with the ball, this could be a defining series for the talented all-rounder,” Chappell assessed.
The addition of Sam Curran’s vibrant left-arm swing and Stokes’ rejuvenation with the ball made a huge difference to an attack that lacked in Australia (Ashes 2017-18)
Ian Chappell
In his column Chappell paid glowing tribute to Indian captain Virat Kohli, comparing his Edgbaston hundred to Stan McCabe’s epic double hundred during the 1938 Ashes, which even made Sir Don Bradman give a standing ovation.
“Having survived Anderson’s challenging examination Kohli went on to dominate the Indian first innings, scoring 82 of the 91 runs accumulated for the last two wickets.
“It was a similar dominance near the end of Stan McCabe’s glorious double century at Trent Bridge in 1938 that caused captain Bradman to summon his players onto the balcony with the words; ‘You will never see anything like this again’,” Chappell wrote.
Pope, Woakes included
Birmingham: England have made two changes to their squad for the second Test against India, starting August 9 at the Lord’s, bringing in uncapped batsman Oliver Pope and pacer Chris Woakes. 20-year-old Pope and Woakes have replaced Dawid Malan and all-rounder Ben Stokes respectively. The latter will be in Bristol for his trial for affray charges begins Monday. If the case is adjourned for a later date, Stokes will be added to the Test squad.
