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Former India wicketkeeper-batter Farokh Engineer has pointed out the need for Karun Nair to bat longer and not waste oportunities to score big after playing himself in. The 33-year-old who made his comeback to the Test side after eight years, is yet to make his first half-century of the tour. Engineer feels that the expectation should be higher from the no.3 batter.
"Karun Nair has been getting brilliant 20s and 30s. He's (Nair) scored beautiful 30 runs, beautiful cover drives and all that. But a beautiful 30 is not expected from a No. 3. You've got to get a not-so-beautiful 100. You need runs on the board. You need (to score) bigger. The expectation should be much higher," Engineer told TimesofIndia.com.
Nair made his Test comeback in the series opener. As Sai Sudharsan made his Test debut and played at no.3, Nair batted in middle order. He got his preferred spot back in the second Test. So far, he has managed to score 131 runs from six innings at an average, of 21.83 with highest score of 40 in the first innings of the Lord's Test.
Engineer said that he has not seen much of Sai Sudharsan to make a judgment but wants skipper Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir to pick the best XI for the Manchester Test. He feels the age of the bowler should not matter, only the ability.
"We should pick the best XI. I haven't seen much of Sai Sudharsan. You've got to pick the best player for the time being. Who's going to give you maximum? You are playing for your country. Your reputation is at stake. So, I would say, forget the age. If he's good, play him to win this Test match," Engineer added.
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Bumrah to feature in Manchester Test, poor record at venue
Meanwhile, India's assistant coach has hinted that there is an inclination to play Jasprit Bumrah for the must-win contest. India have never won a Test at The Old Trafford, Manchester. Also, India are yet to take all 20 wickets against England at the venue.
India have played a total of nine Tests at Manchester. They have lost whereas five ended in a draw. The fourth Test is scheduled to start on July 23. This will be India's first Test appearance at Manchester since 2014.
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