Australian nice and Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting sees left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh making his Test debut in the collection opener between India and England subsequent month.
Last week, Arshdeep obtained his maiden Test call-up after excelling in the T20 format over the previous 4 years. He is India’s main wicket-taker in T20 Internationals.
Having labored with him at Punjab Kings intently, Ponting feels the selectors have taken a very good name to incorporate the left-armer in the tempo assault comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
“Actually I think he’ll play. He’ll play in the Test series over there. Bumrah Siraj, you know, to have a left-arm option there as well, I think it’d be outstanding,” Ponting informed PTI.
“And you think of any English conditions, the way that Arshdeep bowls, he presents the seam as good as anybody, right arm or left arm that’s, that’s currently playing the game.”
The 26-year-old additionally has the expertise of bowling with the Dukes ball, having had a stint in county cricket. The first Test begins in Leeds on June 20.
“They picked him in the squad. I think he could play the first Test over there and he wouldn’t let anybody down. I think it’s the right time for him as well. He is in his sort of mid 20s, probably right now at the peak of his powers, I think it’d be a great selection for India in those Test matches.”
Arshdeep has additionally been swinging the white ball in the powerplay in the IPL and has 18 wickets to his title.
“He’s right up there third or fourth, with power play wickets as well in the tournament, which means that he does a good job with the new ball. So if they’re looking for the left-arm option, obviously they are (referring to England series),” Ponting added.
Published – May 30, 2025 05:42 am IST
