IN DEEP WATER
England told not to panic as they face up to destroyer Kuldeep... but at least he’s not a frog in a blender
IT could be worse for the England batsmen bamboozled by Kuldeep Yadav – at least they are not facing a frog in a blender.
That was the term used to describe the most unusual leftarm wrist spinner of them all – South African Paul Adams, who caused all sorts of problems for England in the mid-1990s.
Adams’ action was so bizarre he would end up looking between his legs as he bowled, something batsmen had never seen before – much like those playing Kuldeep now.
Up against Adams then was Graham Thorpe, now England’s one-day batting coach, who is bringing all his experience to bear as he tries to help players find a way to improve and cope with such an unusual challenge.
“It’s more to do with the mental side,” said Thorpe, who played 100 Tests and 82 ODIs. “If it does anything, it constantly reminds you of your development against spin bowling and that’s something we will continue to look at.
“I remember facing Paul Adams, an unusual bowler like that, and after a while, the longer you face someone the more you pick up. It’s important not to panic.
“The one thing about playing Kuldeep is you start to formulate plans. There is a lot of chat in the dressing room about how best to play him and whether you can move down the pitch to him and things like that.
“You need clarity and it’s a good reminder to the team about constantly looking to improve.
“We’ve done some really good things, but this is a massive challenge.”
It is certainly proving a worry for England’s finest batsman, Joe Root, who looks as flummoxed as anyone trying to figure out Kuldeep.
Just one score of 50 in his last 10 innings across white-ball formats represents a slump for Root, England’s most consistent performer for several years, but who is now struggling.
His team-mates would expect him to solve Kuldeep’s riddles quicker than most, but he has faced just three balls from the Indian maestro in three games, getting out to him twice. “All top batsmen go through this,” added Thorpe. “It’s probably the first time in Joe’s international career where he hasn’t spent as much time at the crease, but he’s one knock away from it clicking.
“It’s about staying calm and measured. He’s been brilliant for England, we probably have to cut him a bit of slack, support and encourage him as well.”
MYSTERY SPINNER Kuldeep has baffled England batsmen.. just like Paul Adams (above right) did in the 1990s