Ravindra Jadeja is not a front-line spinner in English conditions: Greg Chappell

Former India head coach Greg Chappell questioned all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s selection as a frontline spinner for the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Jadeja played the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, but failed to make any kind of impact with the ball.

Some experts criticised the Saurashtra all-rounder’s performance after he failed to exploit the rough outside Ben Duckett’s off-stump in the fourth innings of the Test match as England chased down a 371-run target to register a famous victory.

Chappell opined that Jadeja doesn’t have the skill set required to play as a frontline spinner in English conditions. The former Australian cricketer believes that the Asian giants will have to pick a more balanced side to forge a comeback in the five-match series.

“Jadeja is not a front-line spinner in English conditions. If his batting is considered good enough, he can be a support spinner; otherwise a rethink is necessary. If India are to reverse their fortunes in this series then a better balanced team is required,” Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNCricinfo.

The cricketer-turned-expert also mentioned that picking batting all-rounders or part-time bowlers to cover up for top-order failures isn’t a great strategy to adopt.

“I don’t agree that an extra batter who bowls should be selected as insurance against top-order collapses. The top six must be trusted to deliver the runs, and that the best combination to secure the requisite 20 wickets is available to the captain,” wrote Chappell.

Selectors are the ones under pressure now: Greg Chappell

Chappell suggested that the Indian selectors make brave calls and trust specialists to deliver, instead of relying heavily on all-rounders.

“The selectors are the ones under pressure now. If batters and bowlers have to be prepared to take risks to score runs and take wickets, they too have to have the courage to take bold decisions,” he added.

The second Test between India and England commences on Wednesday, July 2. The high-voltage encounter will be played at the picturesque Edgbaston in Birmingham.