Stuart Binny in India's selection plans for 2nd Test

Sudhir Gupta 04:12 20/08/2015
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Batting talent: Binny.

    The crucial second Test between Sri Lanka and India will be played at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo and with the wicket sporting a fair amount of grass, fast bowlers are expected to play a big role.

    The hosts took a 1-0 lead in the series following their come-from-behind 63-run victory in the first Test in Galle and the onus is on India to take the initiative.

    For India, the performance of spinner Harbhajan Singh left a lot to be desired as he picked up a solitary wicket on a Galle pitch that offered a lot of help to the slow bowlers.

    With the team insisting on fielding five bowlers, captain Virat Kohli said that there is every possibility seam bowling all-rounder Stuart Binny will be given a chance to showcase his skills.

    “We have got Stuart Binny because his bowling gives us balance. His batting at number six will help us too. We will look at the wicket tomorrow. But I feel that even if you don’t have five full-time bowlers, the fifth has to be one who can bowl 10-15 overs. It is very helpful in certain situations,” Kohli said.

    “Bringing in Stuart gives us the option of a third seamer. You need to make a call on the bowling attack thinking how the wicket will turn out during the course of the game. You just can’t get excited on the first day of play about a certain combination and then feel like maybe you should have played someone else. These things need to be looked at and we will keep our options open.”

    Kohli said he had faith in the 31-year-old Binny’s abilities and said that he needs a little confidence under his belt to get going.

    “I saw him bat in Zimbabwe and I have seen him bat in England Once he gains in confidence he is a pretty solid batsman. He has good technique as well. If the wicket is a bit helpful or you need control through the innings, Stuart comes handy in those situations. So I think he brings a lot to the table and it is about him getting more confidence in his abilities. 

    – INTERVIEW: Anwar Ali on plotting a permanent Pakistan place
    – FEATURE: How Bangladesh are building to take on cricket’s elite
    – Viv Richards – Clarke should not be remembered for Ashes loss
    – #360stats: A history of the Test rivalry between Sri Lanka & India

    “As a batsman I think he has become more confident. As a bowler I think he will certainly improve with more games that he plays and the more he is given those spells.”

    India are struggling to replace in-form opener Shikhar Dhawan, a century-maker in Galle who suffered a hairline fracture in his right hand during the match and has been ruled out of the series.

    However, fellow opener Murali Vijay, nursing a hamstring injury, is expected to be fit for the second Test as he batted for a long while in the nets. Kohli was hopeful that the opener will make it to the playing XI.

    “His rehab programme is going well under Patrick Farhart who is our new physio. Hopefully, he is fully fit. If he wants to play and is keen then I am sure he can go through whatever discomfort he might have to go through. We will have to take that call but we are pretty certain that he is going to play on Thursday,” said Kohli.

    The skipper added that his team is capable of recovering from the shock defeat in the first Test where the Indians took a 192-run lead and reduced Sri Lanka 95-5 before losing the Test.

    “We definitely have it in us to bounce back. There is no point thinking about or living in the past. More often than not, if you dominate six sessions, it means that you are on top in the Test match and you should be able to win the game but that wasn’t the case,” Kohli said.

    “But the preparation has been pretty good for this Test. This is a learning curve, and the guys will learn how to get over defeats and prepare for the next one. The good thing is everyone is hungry. The guys understood that things need to be forgotten and they were pretty professional,” he said.

    India have come close to wins abroad on numerous occasions over the past few seasons, but have only managed one win – at Lord’s last year.

    “It is a very strange thing to explain. Some things are not in your control and that is where mental strength comes in. That is one aspect that we have touched upon. The guys need to be brave.” 

    Recommended