Bowling machine, videos won’t help, warns Kuldeep after huge victory

LONDON: Handed an eight-wicket defeat first up, the onus will be on England to make things happen in Saturday’s second ODI at Lord’s. The hosts will not only be battling to save the series, but another poor show could see the favourites tag for the 2019 World Cup ripped off them by the trailblazing Indian outfit.

If conditions stay the way they are, by the end of the next match England’s No 1 ICC ranking may count for little.

While India’s batting is firing on all cylinders, England’s chances will depend mainly on how they negotiate Kuldeep Yadav.

With his clever variations, ability to spin the ball on any surface and subtle adjustments in trajectory, the chinaman bowler seems to have put fear into the hearts of England batsmen.

England have tried many things to get their game sorted against a bowler who took 5/24 in the Old Trafford T20, and 6/25 at Trent Bridge on Thursday without conceding a boundary. They have practised against the bowling machine, Merlyn, facing wrist-spin, but to no avail.

“I don’t believe in a bowling machine,” said Kuldeep. “In the bowling machine, you cannot see the hand or wrist or arm during delivery and the ball only turns. So, if you are not picking the ball (from the hand), then there is a huge problem.”

Kuldeep also mocked at England’s effort to study his videos.

“If you’re analysing someone with videos, I believe that’s the biggest mistake. If you’re doing quality bowling, if you’re keeping it on a spot and if you’re bowling on a length and getting it to turn, then it is difficult for anyone. Irrespective of how much video you watch. Yes, you get an idea what type of ball the bowler is bowling. But if you’re getting help from the wicket, then it is difficult.”