SANJJEEV K SAMYAL

It’s not a fluke that Kuldeep Yadav is producing special performances in big games on a consistent basis. Confident about his skills, he has a clear plan in mind for every game and the means to implement it.

England felt the full force of his ability in the T20 International on Tuesday at Old Trafford when he grabbed five wickets for 24 runs to puncture their confidence. Early last year, he had come up with an equally delightful display in his debut Test to turn the series decider in India’s favour against Australia. In the limited-overs series against South Africa early this year, he picked 17 wickets in the six ODIs.

Finding the hot and dry conditions at Manchester to his liking, Kuldeep held centrestage in the opening skirmish with England displaying craft, control and skill.

It’s his length, which tests the batsmen enticing them with flight, and the ability to turn and dip the ball. “England are a very good side in ODIs and T20s. And they play really well in their conditions. It’s down to the length you bowl. If you bowl the right length and have good variations, any batsman will struggle,” said Kuldeep after creating doubts in the minds of English batsmen with a performance that shattered their confidence.

“Whatever I learnt in childhood — in Kanpur — I am trying to follow here. I have never been afraid of getting hit (for sixes), I think that’s the biggest plus. I used to practice getting hit for

MANCHESTER: