Australia vs India 2018-19, 2nd Test: Tactical changes both teams could make

India should pick Bhuneshwar Kumar in place of Ashwin

Bhuvneshwar Kumar can offer a bit with the bat as well

India were dealt with a huge blow when Ravichandran Ashwin was declared unfit for the second Test match. Ravi Ashwin bowled tirelessly in the first Test (52 in the second innings) and finished with six wickets, playing a huge role in India’s famous win at Adelaide.

For the second Test match at Perth, India can choose between Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to replace Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing XI. Playing Bhuvi would be the right way to go. Australia’s top order has shown fragility to the swinging ball.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar can get the ball to move and jag around, especially if the pitch would assist him. And if India consider playing Umesh Yadav in their team, it would make their bowling attack look rather one dimensional. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma all bowl at good speeds and are mainly hit the deck bowlers.

Bhuvi could generate natural swing and can add to the potency of the Indian bowling attack. Not to forget, with every run being precious, a vastly improved batsman in Bhuvneshwar Kumar would be handy to have in the team. He averages 22.1 with the bat, which says he is more than capable to contribute with the bat.