India will face defending champions England in their next encounter in the ICC World Cup 2023 at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday, October 29. Rohit Sharma-led side will hope to continue their unbeaten streak in the tournament against depleted English side.
India have won all their matches in the marquee competition so far and occupy the top spot in the standings with 10 points. On the other hand, England sit at eighth spot with the sole win in four matches.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh opined that Men in Blue should go with three spinners in the match due to the slow wicket of Lucknow. Harbhajan backed Ravichandran Ashwin for the match to support Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja in the spin department.
The veteran cricketer suggested resting pacer Mohammed Siraj and wants Mohammed Shami and Suryakumar Yadav to continue in the absence of injured all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
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“England do not play spin well. As it is, England are not playing well in the World Cup, and if the ball starts spinning, I don’t think they will be able to do much better. Playing three spinners might not be a bad option," Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
"In absence the of Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav becomes very important. In the last match, he was unlucky to get run out but he will be a crucial player for the side. Siraj can be rested. He has played back-to-back games. Shami has just come into the playing XI and has claimed a five-fer. If a pitch is a normal one and is not expected to offer a lot of turn, then I do not see too many changes in the team,” he added.
Harbhajan lauded in-form batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for their spectacular performances in the tournament and feels that they will replicate that against England too.
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“From Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma, everyone has looked good. In the bowling, Shami came in and claimed five wickets. Big players are those that perform in big tournaments,” said Harbhajan.
"India need to continue the winning momentum after the five-day break. I feel that this team will not leave any stone unturned to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament," he added.
Harbhajan Singh's playing 11 for the match against England: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah.