Kuldeep’s variations were hard to pick, says Wade

Kuldeep Yadav was the star for India on Day 1 of the fourth Test as he picked 4/68 on debut to restrict Australia to 300 on Saturday.

The 22-year-old chinaman’s victims included David Warner, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell and Pat Cummins.

Matthew Wade, the Australia wicketkeeper who smashed a gritty fifty, said they initially struggled to read Kuldeep.

“It took a couple of balls to figure out his variations. He bowled a lot of different deliveries.

“He bowled some leg-breaks with a scrambled seam and used the wrong-un with a scrambled seam as well. Once you settle in, you can read him. He bowled really well,” said Wade.

Asked whether Australia were taken by surprise by Kuldeep’s inclusion in the side and his variety, Wade replied, “We have a look at everyone before the start of the series. The boys were on top of what he was going to bowl.”

Australia skipper Steve Smith continued his love affair with the India team by smashing his seventh century and the third of this series.

Wade said Smith was on course to becoming one of the best cricketers Australia have produced.

“Smith looks like he is playing a different game. He is one of the best players in the world at the moment and he is on course to be one of the best batsmen Australia has ever produced,” said Wade.

It took a couple of balls to figure out his variations. He bowled a lot of different deliveries. He bowled some legbreaks with a scrambled seam and used the wrongun with a scrambled seam as well.

Asked how the Dharamsala pitch played, the Australia wicketkeeper said the bounce on the pitch was exciting.

“This is the best carry we have had from a pitch in this series. The cracks are playing a big role for the spinners and quicks.

“We hope to get something out of the wicket with the new ball tomorrow,” he stated.