ENG vs IND: Matthew Hayden reckons Kuldeep Yadav will play a key role in England
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has thrown his weight behind Kuldeep Yadav ahead of India’s five-match Test series against England, starting June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. Hayden believes Kuldeep has the potential to take up to 20 wickets during the high-stakes tour in the United Kingdom, considering the conditions and opposition. With Ravichandran Ashwin retiring from Test cricket earlier this year, the spotlight now shifts firmly to Kuldeep as India’s primary spin weapon. The left-arm wrist-spinner is the only specialist in his category in the squad, giving him a pivotal role to play. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are available as spin-bowling all-rounders, but Kuldeep’s unique style and variation offer India a much-needed X-factor on this tour.
Hayden highlighted how Kuldeep’s wrist spin could prove challenging for English batters, especially if pitches offer even a little grip. Kuldeep has shown improved control and consistency in recent appearances and will be crucial on flatter tracks where conventional spin might be less effective. With five Tests ahead and England’s attacking batting style, Kuldeep could thrive if he bowls long spells. This series presents a golden opportunity for him to step out of Ashwin’s shadow and establish himself as India’s lead spinner in the post-Ashwin era.
“Looking ahead, I'm really curious about what India brings to England. Five Tests, that's a tough, character-testing series. We discussed it earlier, someone like Kuldeep Yadav could be a key 20-wicket bowler for them," stated former Aussie cricketer Matthew Hayden in a recent interview.
The cricketer-turned-commentator emphasized the crucial role a quality spinner plays in a Test series. He cited the example of Australia’s 2023 Ashes tour of England, where the absence of veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon proved costly. Lyon, who got injured during the second Test, was ruled out for the remainder of the series. Australia had taken a commanding 2-0 lead after winning the first two Tests, but without Lyon’s experience and control, their bowling attack lacked bite. The Aussies went on to lose two of the remaining three matches, and the tightly contested series ended in a 2-2 draw.
Before India and England lock horns in their Test series, Australia and South Africa will clash in the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, starting Wednesday, June 11. Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden expressed curiosity about how much longer senior players like Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja can continue, acknowledging that both are nearing the end of their illustrious careers. Despite these concerns, Hayden remains confident in Australia’s chances in the final. He believes their well-rounded and experienced bowling attack will give them an edge against South Africa.
