The World T20 will see some exciting leg-spinners in action. While Pakistan have the most experienced in captain Shahid Afridi, Australia have young Adam Zampa, South Africa possess wily Imran Tahir, England boast of Adil Rashid, New Zealand with Ish Sodhi and Samuel Badree is part of the West Indies attack.
As the matches will be played in India, these spinners will most likely play an attacking role and that is something which excites former India captain Anil Kumble.
“We have seen that over the years spinners have performed well in T20s. They are playing as important a role as fast bowlers. It’s great to see that most teams at the World T20 have a leg-spinner in their ranks, apart from India,” Kumble said at the OSN ICC World T20 Fanzone at Emirates Golf Club.
“Looking at England, they have Adil Rashid. I don’t think he will have that tough a time in India because the wickets should suit him. South Africa too have a good leg-spinner in their ranks (Tahir). It’s a shame Pakistan couldn’t bring in their best spinner (Yasir Shah is suspended for a dope violation). But it’s good that leg-spinners will have a big role to play.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan, who will be an expert on OSN along with Kumble, Graeme Smith and Misbah-ul Haq, also believes presence of Rashid in the England side will be a big factor.
“England look in a better situation this time and that is because they have a mystery bowler in their team in the form of Adil Rashid. It is something England never had. You need a bowler who can change the game in the middle overs where someone like an AB de Villiers is batting. For England to progress at the World T20, Rashid will have to do very well,” Vaughan said.
Vaughan backs the Windies While India are the obvious favourites, Vaughan felt that another team that is in with a decent chance is the West Indies.
“T20 cricket seems to bring the best out of them. It’s like their bread and butter. They have played in the IPL, have some excellent all-rounders and Gayle force at the top. So watch out for them.”
