Sydney: Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann believes that left-arm spinner Ashton Agar can prove to be a trump card in India and should be included in the team as a second spinner.
Agar has played five Tests so far and went wicketless in his last Test against South Africa in Sydney but Lehmann believes the finger-spinning bowler can be successful on Indian pitches.
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When Australia won in Pune in 2017, Lehmann was the coach of the team. In this match, left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe played a key role in Australia’s victory by taking 12 wickets.
Lehmann told Australian radio SENQ, “I am advocating keeping finger spin bowlers in the team because of being aware of the conditions there.” The four-Test series between India and Australia will begin in Nagpur from February 9.
Lehmann said, “The finger spinner takes support of the wind and the ball sometimes spins and sometimes doesn’t.” But the leg-spinner sometimes spins too much, while the finger-spinner can bowl a few deliveries to get the batsman out lbw.”
He said, “So they should consider keeping the finger spinner. Four years ago we did that and Steve O’Keefe bowled the Indians out in Australia to win what was our last win there.”
Lehmann said, “That’s why I’m advocating keeping a player like Agar in the team who can do a bit of batting and also play the role of second spinner.” Off-spinner Nathan Lyon is Australia’s main spinner. (agency)