Former England Skipper Says Old Trafford Pitch Will Be “Flat, Flat This Season”
In a surprising turn of events, former England captain and cricket pundit Michael Atherton has suggested that India should consider playing three spinners in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester — a move rarely seen in English conditions.
The Indian team, led by Shubman Gill in this series, has already shown faith in spin by including both Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in the third Test at Lord’s. Now, Atherton believes it might be the perfect opportunity to bring Kuldeep Yadav into the playing XI as well.
Speaking on a Sky Sports podcast, Atherton referenced insights from veteran English pacer James Anderson, who plays county cricket for Lancashire — Old Trafford’s home team. According to Anderson, the pitches at the venue have lost their traditional pace and bounce this season.
“I had a chat with Jimmy, who said the pitches were flat. Since they turned around the pitches, they haven’t had the pace. There are a couple with some zing, but most of the televised ones have been flat, flat this season,” Atherton noted.
He went on to say, “If Kuldeep is going to play, Trafford is the place. I was wondering if they could go with Bumrah and Siraj and play their three spinners — Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep. I just don’t know about the forecast. If it’s cooler and showery, then fast bowlers come into the picture.”
India Weighs Spin Trio While England Eyes Strong Lower Order
With weather always playing a role in England, India might balance their attack by fielding Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as frontline pacers, while keeping a third seamer option open between Nitish Reddy, Shardul Thakur, or Akash Deep. However, if the pitch remains dry and conditions support spin, the temptation to unleash all three spinners could be strong.
On the other side, England could benefit from some powerful additions to their lower order. Both Gus Atkinson and Liam Dawson are available for selection and are known to be dependable with the bat. Former England captain Nasser Hussain echoed this thought, pointing out that a potential tail of Liam Dawson at No. 8, Gus Atkinson at 9, Brydon Carse at 10, and Jofra Archer at 11 gives England depth and firepower down the order.
As the teams gear up for the crucial fourth Test starting July 23rd, all eyes will be on the pitch conditions at Old Trafford and how both sides adapt their strategies — with India contemplating a rare three-spinner combination in English conditions.
