Former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting has urged India to include Arshdeep Singh in the playing XI of the first Test of the five-match series against England. Arshdeep has been a consistent contributor to India’s limited-overs success, showcasing his brilliant skills in T20Is and ODIs. India's tour of England will start on June 20 with the first Test at Headingley Cricket Ground.
“I would actually have him in their Test team at the start. He's very skilful,” Ponting told The ICC Review.
“I think the Dukes ball will help him in the UK as well. And I just think to have that point of difference, having a left-armer in your team, I think will be something that, if India don't do it, then it'll be a bit of a surprise to me.”
Ponting also stated that Singh’s county experience will be significantly useful for India.
“He's played county cricket and he knows the conditions there as well,” Ponting noted.
“Arshdeep is close to six-foot-four, so he's going to get decent bounce...as we know in England the ball still swings when it is 30, 40 or 50 overs old.
“To have someone that's got that swing bowling ability and a left-armer I think is something that the Indian team should definitely look out for on that tour.”