“India could trial some one like Umran Malik for this reason”, Sanjay Manjrekar highlighting importance of pace in Test Matches.

Former Indian cricketer, Sanjay Manjrekar, has expressed his support for the inclusion of Umran Malik in the Test squad, taking inspiration from Mark Wood’s impressive performance in the third Ashes Test. Wood’s hostile and accurate fast bowling posed significant challenges for the Australian batsmen, with only Mitchell Marsh managing to cope at times. Wood’s return to Test cricket was marked by a well-deserved five-wicket haul, which played a pivotal role in England’s dismissal of Australia for 263 on the first day of the match.

Wood effectively utilized the lively wicket at Headingley, delivering short and sharp spells that yielded the desired results. Recognizing the impact of such pace and aggression, Manjrekar suggested that Team India could also benefit from adding a bowler like Umran Malik to their lineup. He emphasized the importance of having raw pace in the bowling attack, particularly in dismantling the opposition’s lower order.

Sanjay Manjrekar tweeted “In Tests, extra pace ( Mark Wood) in the bowling attack has one advantage. The tail does not wag as much. India could trial some one like Umran Mallik for this reason.”