Ind vs Aus 1st Test: Suryakumar Yadav likely to play at Nagpur

With a sharp turning wicket on cards at Nagpur for the first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia, the hosts are all set to unleash explosive Suryakumar Yadav in the middle order for his counter-attacking skills.

The rank turner at Nagpur will test the technique and temperament of the Indian batsmen. Spin bowling will undo any batsman at any moment on the pitch. Hence, it would be prudent to go after the runs with some daredevilry. In this case, it could well be Indian 'Mr 360 degrees' T20 pyro-techniques that might have pushed his case at the Test level.

Suryakumar has all the shots in his armory to unsettle any quality spinner in the world. He can play attacking shots ranging from conventional, reverse and slog sweeps to the inside-out aerial hits over the fence.

As per former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar, Suryakuamr has the ability to play at a healthy strike rate without hitting the ball in the air.

“Suryakumar will play in the first Test against Australia as there are not many other options in the squad. Even in 50-over cricket, if he decides not to hit the ball in the air for a while, he will still score at a strike rate of 120. He is not just a six-hitter. He has a great sweep shot as well. It is just a great shot to put the opposition spinner under pressure,” said Manjrekar.

“Suryakumar could be the player who takes on the spinners like Rishabh Pant did before his injury. It will put tremendous pressure on the visitors,” Manjrekar added.