The curious case of Stuart Binny

Bhavneet Singh 17:15 08/07/2014
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  • Pushing for a start: Stuart Binny's talents with the bat are helping his case for a position in India's first XI tomorrow.

    When India take on England in the first Test match on Wednesday, India’s biggest worry will be its bowling line up and amongst that dilemma the Indians will need to figure out, what to do with Stuart Binny?

    The youngster has pulled off some good performances in the last six months and seems to be the right choice to get a spot in the team, but with the specialist batsmen firing, it does not look likely that he will replace a batsman.

    That leaves captain M S Dhoni with two options.

    The first being that he replaces him with Ravindra Jadeja.

    It would not be an exaggeration to say that the cricket-watching fraternity in India has divided itself over this issue.

    While some believe that Binny is the right choice considering the conditions, the others argue that Jadeja’s experience in the past, clubbed with his batting abilities put him in a better position to be picked over Binny.

    Jadeja was a key member in the team that won the ICC Champions Trophy in England and was the leading wicket taker as well.

    This makes him a more suitable and easier choice than Binny.

    The second option at Dhoni’s disposal is to put Binny in the side ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin.

    This represents a huge gamble as Ashwin is considered to be the strength of the Indian spin bowling department.

    Putting that considerations aside, he has not contributed a significant amount in the last year or so and if the conditions are taken into account, it appears that Binny’s inclusion will gather momentum.

    Pair that with Binny’s ability with the bat and his case for a starting spot strengthens even more.

    The question however remains, will Dhoni take the risk on Binny?

    Or will we see the talented young Binny sit out the series opener altogether?

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