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Business Standard
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
How Jurel is pushing for 4th Test inclusion following Pant's injury setback
Dhruv Jurel was thrust into the spotlight during the third Test at Lord's when Rishabh Pant suffered a painful blow to his left index finger while attempting to collect a leg-side delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. Unable to continue as wicketkeeper, Pant remained on the field as a specialist batter, but it was Jurel who took over the gloves. It wasn't a planned debut behind the stumps in England, but rather one prompted by circumstance. However, it gave the team management, including assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, a closer look at Jurel in action at the highest level. Ten Doeschate hinted that if Pant doesn't recover in time for the Old Trafford Test, Jurel is next in line and remains a 'viable option' due to his composure, training ethic, and readiness to step up when needed. Crafted Through Grit and Opportunity At training on Thursday at Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham, Jurel made a strong impression with both bat and glove. The air was filled with the repetitive 'tuck' of bat meeting ball, as he sent deliveries soaring into the quiet stands beyond long-on and cow corner. Sporting a snug white T-shirt under his India training vest, Jurel looked full of energy. He was tested in a high-intensity net session by bowling coach Morne Morkel, who reduced his run-up and hurled deliveries to test Jurel's technique and reaction time. The young wicketkeeper-batter remained composed, defending solidly and maintaining an assured stance throughout. This is where Jurel thrives—under pressure—and the session seemed to showcase why coaches see so much potential in him. Proving His Mettle in High-Pressure Situations Jurel's confidence and discipline, often attributed to his upbringing as the son of a former army officer, have become a cornerstone of his game. He walks tall, bats with focus, and understands the value of calculated aggression. His knock of 90 in the Ranchi Test earlier this year against England stands as a testament to his maturity. On a pitch that turned significantly and undermined most batters, Jurel showcased not just survival instincts but also flair. With India's tail for company, he took calculated risks—slogging when in control and sweeping anything pitched on leg stump. His innings turned the game on its head and earned him his first Player-of-the-Match award, further cementing his case as more than just a reserve option. Momentum from England A Tour and Home Successes Jurel's rise hasn't come in isolation. Leading into this series, he had already made a mark in the two unofficial Tests for India A against England Lions in June. He notched up three half-centuries in varying conditions, adjusting his approach based on the surface and match situation. At Canterbury, where runs came easily, he built fluently. In contrast, challenging overcast skies and swing-friendly conditions in the second game demanded patience, which he displayed impressively during a crucial fifty-run partnership with KL Rahul. These performances, backed by his impactful knocks in Australia during the warm-up games ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year, have made Jurel a consistent performer in the shadows of India's star-studded squad. Competition and Conundrum within the XI Despite his form and temperament, Jurel didn't feature in the initial three Tests of the England tour, as Pant remained the preferred gloveman and the team leaned on balance—opting for versatile all-rounders like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar. Pant, even while managing his injured finger, offers so much batting depth that India was reluctant to tinker. However, now that the injury threatens his ability to keep wickets, a reshuffle is possible. The decision isn't straightforward. If Jurel plays as keeper and Pant transitions into a pure batting role, the management will likely have to bench one of the existing XI. It's selection headaches like these that separate good teams from great ones—and Jurel is firmly in the mix. What the Experts Say Dinesh Karthik, part of the commentary panel during the Lord's Test, praised Jurel's natural wicketkeeping instincts. He noted that Jurel's stance, movement, and glove work were sound, especially his effort to claim a sharp catch off Ollie Pope standing up to Ravindra Jadeja. These sentiments were echoed by fielding coach T Dilip, who worked with Jurel during keeping drills on Thursday. Dilip emphasised the importance of positioning and balance while collecting the ball in line with the body—both areas where Jurel impressed. The India management sees his commitment to the craft and his growing comfort under pressure as vital assets, especially if the injury forces Pant into a non-keeping role. Possible Changes for the Old Trafford Showdown If Pant is unable to resume wicketkeeping duties in the fourth Test, India may need to reshuffle their XI. Karun Nair, who has not made a significant impact despite multiple opportunities, could be the one to make way. However, his place at No. 3 may still be valued due to limited alternatives suited to that position. Washington Sundar has impressed with his spin bowling and will look to retain his spot, especially as Old Trafford is known to support turn and bounce. That leaves Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has contributed with the ball but hasn't found form with the bat so far on this tour. Coaches will have a tough time picking the optimal combination, but Jurel's inclusion gives flexibility—especially if Pant must be managed carefully.
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
IND vs ENG: Time to turn to Kuldeep Yadav as India's bowling unit looks for answers
It is tough to be Kuldeep Yadav, essential enough to be picked in most Indian Test squads but deemed unnecessary as the morning of the match dawns. The Leeds Test that India lost to England by five wickets is only the latest example. The left-arm wrist spinner made his debut back in March 2017 against Australia in Dharamshala. Since then, he has played a paltry 13 matches across nine series. Twice he has been the player of the match only to not play the subsequent tie. In fact, he has featured in more than one fixture in the same series just two times. ALSO READ | Jofra Archer should not be rushed back to play second Test, says Vaughan There is a combination of factors at play. If at home, the superior batting returns of R. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel put paid to his chances, the reluctance to include more than one spinner in overseas XIs has held him back. All of this was supposed to change in the new, post-Ashwin era of Indian cricket. With Mohammed Shami not match-fit and Jasprit Bumrah unable to play for long stretches, Kuldeep's attacking nous and wicket-taking ability – even under batting-friendly conditions – were expected to be prized and cherished. Yet, in Headingley last week, on a mostly flat and dry pitch, Kuldeep warmed the bench. The irony was that the last time India played England, in Dharamshala in March 2024, Kuldeep was adjudged the best player as he ran through a batting order that had Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root and Ben Stokes. After the Leeds shellacking, there is heightened clamour to draft Kuldeep in. Social media chatter can be bereft of depth, but there is a good case to be made ahead of the Birmingham Test starting July 2. The Edgbaston strip is expected to be as true and good for batting as Headingley. It has also been an unusually dry summer in England, and local weather reports are predicting a heat wave from July 1. Though rain is always in the air in the British Isles, temperatures in the West Midlands are expected to hover around 30 degrees. More than this, Kuldeep's skill is not limited by the conditions. In the 2024 home series in India, England struggled against the 30-year-old on fair wickets. And in the first Test here, as well as Duckett – and to an extent Stokes – played, the southpaws did not trust their defence against fellow left-arm spinner Jadeja, a potential cue. Kuldeep Yadav receiving the 'Player of the Match' after the fifth Test against England in Dharamsala in 2024. | Photo Credit: PTI The only thing that may go against Kuldeep is that his presence lengthens the tail, for he will have to bat at No. 8, a place higher than his usual slot. But he is no disaster with the willow. In his player-of-the-match effort against Bangladesh in Chattogram, he scored a career-best 40 after coming in at 293 for seven. Then, in the Ranchi Test against England last year, he staged a spectacular rescue-act alongside Dhruv Jurel, making an important 28 after coming in at 177 for seven. More than the runs, he batted time on both occasions, eating up 114 and 131 deliveries, respectively. Above all, it is a no-brainer that Kuldeep is among the four best bowlers in this Indian touring party to England, along with Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Jadeja. Surely, there should be a place for him?
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Climate
- The Hindu
The curious case of Kuldeep Yadav
It is tough to be Kuldeep Yadav, essential enough to be picked in most Indian Test squads but deemed unnecessary as the morning of the match dawns. The Leeds Test that India lost to England by five wickets is only the latest example. The left-arm wrist spinner made his debut back in March 2017 against Australia in Dharamshala. Since then, he has played a paltry 13 matches across nine series. Twice he has been the Player-of-the-Match only to not play the subsequent tie. In fact, he has featured in more than one fixture in the same series just two times. There is a combination of factors at play. If at home, the superior batting returns of R. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel put paid to his chances, the reluctance to include more than one spinner in overseas XIs has held him back. All of this was supposed to change in the new, post-Ashwin era of Indian cricket. With Mohammed Shami not match-fit and Jasprit Bumrah unable to play for long stretches, Kuldeep's attacking nous and wicket-taking ability — even under batting-friendly conditions — were expected to be prized and cherished. Yet, in Headingley last week, on a mostly flat and dry pitch, Kuldeep warmed the bench. The irony was that the last time India played England, in Dharamshala in March 2024, Kuldeep was adjudged the best player as he ran through a batting order that had Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root and Ben Stokes. After the Leeds shellacking, there is heightened clamour to draft Kuldeep in. Online talk and social media chatter can be bereft of depth, but there is a good case to be made ahead of the Birmingham Test starting July 2. The Edgbaston strip is expected to be as true and good for batting as Headingley. It has also been an unusually dry summer in England, and local weather reports are predicting a heat wave from July 1. Though rain is always in the air in the British Isles, temperatures in the West Midlands are expected to hover around 30 degrees. More than this, Kuldeep's USP is that he is not limited by the conditions. In the 2024 home series in India, England struggled against the 30-year-old on fair wickets. And in the first Test here, as well as Duckett — and to an extent Stokes — played, the southpaws did not trust their defence against fellow left-arm spinner Jadeja, a potential cue. The only thing that may go against Kuldeep is that his presence lengthens the tail, for he will have to bat at No. 8, a place higher than his usual slot. But he is no disaster with the willow. In his player-of-the-match effort against Bangladesh in Chattogram, he scored a career-best 40 after coming in at 293 for seven. Then, in the Ranchi Test against England last year, he staged a spectacular rescue-act alongside Dhruv Jurel, making an important 28 after coming in at 177 for seven. More than the runs, he batted time on both occasions, eating up 114 and 131 deliveries respectively. Above all, it is a no-brainer that Kuldeep is among the four best bowlers in this Indian touring party to England, along with Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Jadeja. Surely, there should be a place for him?
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Business Standard
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
England include teenage star Eddie Jack in Test squad training camp
Teenage fast bowler Eddie Jack has been "invited to practise" with England's senior team ahead of the first Test against India after producing impressive efforts for the Lions against India A in the two four-day games, according to a report. India begin their new World Test Championship cycle taking on England in a five-match series beginning with the first match at Headingley from June 20. The 19-year-old Hampshire seamer caught the selectors' attention by dismissing India batter KL Rahul, who had scored a century in the first innings, during their drawn second unofficial Test in Northampton. Standing at 6-foot-4, Jack has "impressed" England Lion's coaching group, including Andrew Flintoff, Mark Wood and Graeme Swann, The Times, London, reported. Jack, who is yet to make his County Championship debut for Hampshire, has played two first-class matches -- both against India A -- and represented England U-19s earlier this year in South Africa. He also took five wickets last month in a warm-up game against Zimbabwe, while playing for a combined counties XI. In Northampton, Jack regularly beat the bat of India Test stars, including Nitish Reddy and Dhruv Jurel. He eventually dismissed Jurel, who was the player of the match in the Ranchi Test against England in 2022, and returned with figures of 2/71 in the second innings. The teenager's call-up comes at a time when England's pace stocks are depleted with less than 10 days to go for the opening Test. Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the first Test, Mark Wood is unavailable for the entire summer due to injury, while Gus Atkinson is still recovering from a hamstring strain sustained during the one-off Test against Zimbabwe a fortnight ago. Chris Woakes also used the match against India A as a preparation bowling 32 overs, and returned with five wickets, while Josh Tongue, who is "likely to be part of the Test XI at Headingley", claimed two wickets. The series will mark the start of a new era for Indian cricket under Shubman Gill's leadership, following the Test retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. India are chasing their first Test series win in England since 2007.
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
6 foot 4 inches teenage fast bowler who dismissed KL Rahul, added to England squad for first Test vs India as backup
Teenage fast bowler Eddie Jack, a towering 6-foot-4 seamer from Hampshire, has been invited to train with England's senior team ahead of the opening Test against India, following a string of impressive performances for the England Lions against India A. Jack was added to the squad as a backup for Josh Tongue, who hobbled off the pitch during the India A vs England Lions match. Jack, 19, grabbed headlines after he dismissed India star KL Rahul, who had scored a century in the first innings of the second unofficial Test at Northampton. The match ended in a draw, but Jack's sharp spells, particularly against India's top-order, left a lasting impression on selectors and the Lions' coaching staff — which includes the likes of Andrew Flintoff, Mark Wood, and Graeme Swann. Jack, who is yet to make his County Championship debut for Hampshire, has played just two first-class matches — both against India A — and also featured for England U-19s earlier this year in South Africa. Despite his limited experience, he has consistently challenged top-tier batters, beating the edges of Nitish Reddy, Dhruv Jurel, and others during the Northampton match. In the second innings, Jack returned figures of 2 for 71, including the prized scalp of Jurel, India's Ranchi Test hero from 2022. The teenager's growing reputation was further cemented last month when he took five wickets in a warm-up match against Zimbabwe, representing a combined counties XI. Jack's promotion comes amid an injury crisis in England's pace department. Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the series opener, Mark Wood is unavailable for the entire summer, and Gus Atkinson is still recovering from a hamstring strain picked up during the recent one-off Test against Zimbabwe. With just 10 days to go before the first Test at Headingley on June 20, England are looking to bolster their fast-bowling stocks. Though Jack has not yet officially been named in the Test squad, his inclusion in training sessions suggests he may be on standby for a potential debut. Meanwhile, Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue — both part of the India A fixture — are expected to play key roles. Woakes bowled 32 overs across two innings and claimed five wickets, while Tongue picked up two scalps and is tipped to feature in the XI at Headingley unless he fails to recover from the injury. The upcoming five-match series will also mark the beginning of a new era for India, now under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, following the Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. India are looking for their first Test series win in England since 2007.
