India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed the media on Thursday ahead of the opening Test match against Sri Lanka starting August 15. The 42-year-old hinted that the team could play three left-arm spinners in the series opener in Galle. Kuldeep Yadavwho didn’t get a game in England during the ODI series, could make his return to the playing XI.

Former South African pacer said that Kuldeep is an attacking bowler and his experience and class cannot be ignored. He mentioned that Ravindra Jadeja is accurate as a bowler while Manav Suthar tends to turn the ball a lot more. So, going into the game with three left-arm spin bowlers wasn’t a concern for the Shubman Gill-led side.

Kuldeep’s last Test for India was against Afghanistan, where he picked up three wickets in the second innings.

Yadav has played a total of 18 Tests so far and claimed 79 wickets with a best of 5/40. He also played the warm-up game against Sri Lanka Cricket XI, claiming two wickets in the first innings and didn’t bowl in the second essay.

Jadeja and Suthar also did well in the warm-up fixture. Galle is expected to help the spinners, and the visiting side will be keen to go into the game with aggressive intent.

If the side decides to include the trio, then Saransh Jain would have to wait for his chance.

In his chat with the media, Morkel also said that it was up to the Indian skipper how he uses the slower bowlers. The former pacer backed his bowlers to pick up 20 wickets, saying they have the skills to come up with the goods.

Indian coach wants team to be street-smart

With all eyes on the wicket for the opening Test, Morne Morkel urged his team to be ‘street smart’ during the game.

According to him, the bowlers have the skills, and there will be planning as well. He highlighted the fact that the ball will get softer by the 20th or the 30th over.

Morne asked the bowlers to make full use of the crease well and execute the short ball strategy smartly. If the team decides to adopt a three-spinner attack, the side would play two pacers.