A tall guy, can bowl with the new ball – Ajit Agarkar explains the decision to include Arshdeep Singh for England tour

As India gear up for their Test series against England in the latter’s den, their pace attack will play a key role in shaping up the fate of the series. With Mohammed Shami not being a part of the squad, Arshdeep Singh instead earned a call-up, and he will partner the likes of Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep in the pace department.

Talking in the press-conference, Ajit Agarkar spoke about how the inclusion of Arshdeep offers variety to the Indian attack. A left-arm seamer is always a wily addition which can make the batters think twice before executing their shots, considering the different angle that he is capable of creating. Also, the lateral drift generated by Arshdeep makes a significant difference, especially in the swinging conditions of England.

Agarkar said, “He's a quality bowler and has had a taste of County as well. He plays domestic when he can. A tall guy, can bowl with the new ball, has body of work in red-ball cricket and in recent form in the last couple of years. Bumrah is unlikely to play all five Tests, we needed a bit of variety.”