Ollie Pope: England could play two seamers in Rajkot

England's vice-captain suggested that the surface – two days out from the start of the Test – looks to have "a little bit more grass on it", which might bring the seam options into the equation

Nick Friend | 13/02/2024 at 10:36

England could field two specialist seamers in the third Test at Rajkot for the first time in the five-match series against India, says vice-captain Ollie Pope.

The tourists have so far gone in predominantly with an inexperienced spin attack that has more than held its own, with Mark Wood spearheading as the solitary quick during the win at Hyderabad, and James Anderson replacing him – and impressing – in the defeat at Visakhapatnam.

But Pope suggested that the surface in Rajkot – two days out from the start of the Test – looks to have "a little bit more grass on it", which might bring England's seam options further into the equation.

"If it stays like that, there's every chance two seamers will be played," said Pope, speaking to BBC Sport.

"I don't want to give away too many secrets, but at the minute there's a little bit more grass on it. It looks a pretty good pitch.

"We always like to make a decision here the day before the Test begins because conditions can change, especially with the heat on it all day."

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^{England's thinktank are considering playing two seamers in Rajkot (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)}

Neither Ollie Robinson nor Gus Atkinson have featured yet, while Wood bowled a spell in training on Tuesday, albeit with strapping on his left leg. Robinson was effective during England's series win in Pakistan last winter but has so far been unused, with Jack Leach, Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, Rehan Ahmed and Joe Root bowling the majority of the visitors' overs so far.

But Leach's absence to a series-ending knee injury has reduced those options by one, with no replacement summoned for the Somerset left-arm spinner.

Should the pitch encourage the seamers, India have Mohammed Siraj back in the fold after he sat out the second Test, while the uncapped Akash Deep has also been called up. The home side also have the series' standout fast bowler, of course, in Jasprit Bumrah in their ranks.

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