India vs England: Coach Brendon McCullum Hints At Playing 4 Spinners Against India In Vizag

After Tom Hartley's efforts help England defeat India in the first IND vs ENG Test, coach Brendon McCullum reveals why they might play four spinners against India in the second Test in Visakhapatnam.

England spin bowlers Jack Leach (Left) and Tom Hartley (Right) in during the England Net Session on January 24, 2024 prior to the first test match against India in Hyderabad

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India experienced a setback as England, led by Ben Stokes, secured a 28-run victory in the first Test against India in Hyderabad on January 28. Ollie Pope impressed with an outstanding innings of 196 runs in the second innings, and debutant Tom Hartley played a key role in dismantling India's batting unit by taking nine wickets in the game. England's coach Brendon McCullum has hinted that they might even play all four of their spinners in Visakhapatnam for the second IND vs ENG Test.

Coach Brendon McCullum has acknowledged that they took a gamble on Tom Hartley, and it turned out to be successful. He added that the team won't hesitate to play all four of their spinners in Visakhapatnam if the pitch favours assistance to the spinners.

“Tom Hartley on debut, who has only played a handful of first-class games stepped up with the bowl. It was a punt selection. We saw something in him that we thought will work over here. He is a tough character and the way skipper handled him was quite remarkable as well. He obviously bowled us to the Test win,” McCullum said on SENZ Radio as per The Indian Express.

'We Won’t Be Afraid To...': McCullum

With off-spinner Shoaib Bashir having also joined the England squad after his visa troubles, McCullum mentioned that they might end up playing all four spinners—Jack Leach, Tom Hartley, Rehan Ahmed, and Shoaib Bashir—in the second Test. McCullum praised Bashir's skill sets, emphasising his fitting into the team.

“He was obviously with us in the camp in Abu Dhabi and he really impressed with his skill sets. He fits in the group. He again like Tom Hartley has little first-class experience but we thought his skill could help us in here. He turned up at a perfect time. The guys gave him a huge cheer and he witness the Test win. He also come to calculation for the next Test match. We won’t be afraid to play all spinners if the wickets will turn more,” he said.

Coming to the Hyderabad Test, England overcame a 190-run deficit to secure a remarkable Test victory, marking one of their most memorable wins in overseas conditions. Key contributions from vice-captain Ollie Pope, who scored 196 runs, and debutant left-arm spinner Tom Hartley, with figures of 7-62 in the fourth innings, played crucial roles in England's triumph. This victory has propelled them to a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.