'Fielding was not the main reason India lost 1st Test...': Ex-India coach picks Shubman Gill-led side's 'expensive error' during Headingley encounter

Australia legend Greg Chappell reckons that Shubman Gill-led India lost the first Test match of the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy because of the lack of variety in their bowling attack at Headingley. He suggested the side to include Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav in India's XI for the second Test match, which will take place from 2-6 July at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.

India lost the first Test match by five wickets, where they were also guilty of dropping as many as eight catches.

"As disappointing as the fielding in Headingley was, it was not the main reason India lost the Test. Most of India's problems were self-inflicted. Perhaps the most expensive error was the no-ball that gave Harry Brook an early life in the second innings," Chappell wrote in his column for 'ESPNCricinfo'.

Former Australia captain reckons that the sameness of India’s right-arm seamers Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur posed a bigger tactical problem than the fielding issue.

ALSO READ: Ex-India star wants ECB to invite 'Pataudi's wife Sharmila Tagore and Saif Ali Khan to present medal' to Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy winning captain

"More concerning to me, though, is the lack of variety in the bowling attack. Apart from Jasprit Bumrah, India's seamers are too similar - all right-arm, medium-fast, operating at comparable angles.

"There is a reason why wickets often fall after a change of bowling. It forces the batter to recalibrate. That variability isn't available to Shubman Gill with his current crop."

The 76-year-old former India coach called for the inclusion of left-arm seamer Arshdeep and wrist-spinner Kuldeep to add much-needed contrast to the attack.

ALSO READ: 'Whenever I spoke to Virat, his responses were very...': India's Champions Trophy-winning star reveals how Virat Kohli's leadership is exceptional

"Without Bumrah, I'd like to see left-armer Arshdeep Singh added to the mix and Kuldeep Yadav, possibly the best wrist spinner since Shane Warne, included in the attack."

Chappell also criticised the Indian team management's preference for batting depth over a balanced bowling attack.

"I don't agree that an extra batter who bowls should be selected as insurance against top-order collapses. The top six must be trusted to deliver the runs and that the best combination to secure the requisite 20 wickets is available to the captain," he said.

Team India are currently preparing for the second Test match which will take place at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, there are speculations that speedster Jasprit Bumrah will miss the upcoming clash.