“Historically, it turns here” - Irfan Pathan on India’s spin bowling combination for 5th BGT 2024-25 Test

Ahead of the fifth Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test, Irfan Pathan shared his views on India's potential spin bowling combination in Sydney. The former India all-rounder believes the visitors will play two spinners. However, he said that there might not be place for a third spinner in the side based on conditions.

The visitors played two spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, in the fourth Test in Melbourne. However, Pathan highlighted that the second spinner (Sundar) was underbowled at the MCG.

Irfan added that while there had historically been turn at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Australia might leave some extra grass on the pitch.

"I think 2 spinners will play. The second spinner we saw in Melbourne was underbowled. Maybe in Sydney Australia will want to have more grass on the pitch because historically, it turns here. So maybe there is no place for a third spinner. Unless, there is no grass and then you can bring in the third spinner," Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports.

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Two spinners, three fast bowlers should be enough - Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan added that India should go with two spinners and three fast bowlers in the fifth Test at Sydney. Talking of India's overall bowling combination, he opined:

"I feel two spinners and three fast bowlers should be enough."

While Jadeja and Sundar are most likely to play, Tanush Kotian is the third option should the need arise, with Ravichandran Ashwin retiring mid-series.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are expected to be the two premier pacers. With Akash Deep ruled out, Indian Express report Prasidh Krishna will replace him in the playing XI.

India are currently 2-1 behind in the five-match series. They won the opening Test in Perth but lost in Adelaide and Melbourne to squander their lead.