Galle: India considers three spinners for Test against Sri Lanka, featuring Manav Suthar
Suthar’s unique bowling style
Manav Suthar, a left-arm spinner, has drawn attention for his classical approach to bowling. Those who have observed his progress note the distinct spin he imparts on the ball. Selectors were reportedly convinced by his abilities early on, seeing him as a potential all-weather finger spinner for India.
Former India cricketer Maninder Singh has praised Suthar’s technique, highlighting how the ball leaves his hand and his excellent seam position. Singh believes Suthar has a promising future in international cricket, noting that he has not seen a classical left-arm spinner like him in a considerable time. Singh describes Suthar’s run-up, action, and ball release as simple and beautiful, indicating extensive practice.
Suthar’s ability to generate significant revolutions on the ball, a characteristic that creates drift, has been a key aspect of his game. Fielders positioned close to the wicket have reportedly heard the distinct sound the ball makes upon release, which is attributed to these revolutions. This technique allows him to beat batters through the air, a skill that has been evident from his domestic performances through to India A fixtures.
County cricket experience and international prospects
Suthar’s bowling style, particularly the ‘revs on the ball’, also garnered notice in England during his stint with Warwickshire in county cricket. The head coach, Ian Westwood, expressed satisfaction with Suthar’s signing, and despite playing only two games, the club is keen on his return for more matches.
Westwood commented on Suthar’s potential, stating that his ball release and the revolutions he imparts make him a spinner capable of succeeding in various conditions. Suthar’s short turnaround time between his Test debut against Afghanistan and his county game against Yorkshire did not hinder his performance, according to Westwood. He also contributed with the bat lower down the order, adding to his value as a player. Westwood noted that bowling in England, with its different conditions and ball, aids a spinner’s development for international assignments.
Coaches at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) have commended Suthar’s work ethic. Following technical adjustments, including shortening his delivery stride, he was prepared for higher-level challenges. His consistent preparation and work ethic enable him to adapt and be ready for opportunities.
Before traveling to Sri Lanka, Suthar visited the CoE to refine his spin bowling. He received advice regarding the wind in Galle, being told to use the breeze to his advantage and ensure the ball finishes on the stumps, adapting his drift to the wind. Maninder Singh further explained that Suthar’s revolutions create drift, which can help him take wickets on various surfaces, even those that do not heavily turn.
India’s spin strategy in Sri Lanka
India is considering including three specialist spinners in the playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, a rare occurrence for an away match. Bowling Coach Morne Morkel indicated that Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, and Ravindra Jadeja could form a three-left-arm spin attack.
This would mark the first time in nearly four years that India fields three specialist spinners in an away Test. The last instance was against Bangladesh in Chittagong in December 2022, where Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav were in the lineup. Kuldeep Yadav’s last overseas Test appearance was also in that match.
In the Chittagong Test, Kuldeep Yadav took 5/40 in the first innings and 3/73 in the second, contributing to India’s 188-run victory. However, he was subsequently dropped for the next game. Since that match, Kuldeep Yadav has not played an away Test in nearly four years, with his subsequent 10 Test appearances all occurring at home. His next Test came 14 months later against England in Visakhapatnam in February 2024.
In India’s most recent Test against Afghanistan in June this year, Manav Suthar made a notable debut, taking 6/33 in the first innings. With spin-friendly pitches anticipated in Sri Lanka, India will look to its spinners, including Kuldeep Yadav, who has played only four overseas Tests, to perform well in the two-match series.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
