With the ICC World Cup 2019 round the corner, the selection committees have started pondering over the possible 15-member squad that will fight for glory in England and Wales. Meanwhile, New Zealand has already announced their 15-member squad for the showpiece event earlier today. As the Indian National Cricket team selectors think about the possible team, former cricketer Roger Binny has urged them to drop a spinner in favour of a fast bowler considering the seam-friendly conditions in England.
While the MSK Prasad-led committee is in a dilemma with the no four batsmen, Binny’s recent view will also play in their mind. Roger Binny said that he would have gone for an extra pacer considering the seaming condition. He also picked Umesh Yadav as the fourth pacer for his ability to bowl quick and seam. However, Yadav has been off colours in the ongoing Indian Premier League and has gone for plenty of runs. The former fast bowler also added that it is important to have pacers as they can only win you matches in England, unlike the spinners.
“In English conditions, I would drop a spinner and go for an extra pacer. They (pacers) will win you matches in England but spinners can’t. Also, you need a bowler who can seam the ball off the wicket. Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) is one guy who can do that. My fourth pacer could be Umesh Yadav because he seams the ball and he’s got pace,” Binny said.
Meanwhile, the recent debacle against Australia in the five-match ODI series has raised eyebrows ahead of the World Cup. The men in blues went down from 2-0 up to 3-2 as the Australian team staged a brilliant comeback. However, skipper Virat Kohli after the match said there is no need to read into this loss as it won’t have any bearing in the World Cup.
The Indian National Cricket team will begin their campaign on June 5 at the Rose Bowl, Southampton. They have won two World Cups so far and will be eager to lift the title for the third time.