India's star left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has named the legendary Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne as his role model. Known for his significant spin and deceptive googlies and flippers, Kuldeep has been a major challenge for the English team during their second innings in the fourth Test at Ranchi. He has torn through England's middle and lower order, claiming four wickets already.
Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, has lavished praise on Kuldeep Yadav, comparing his performance to that of a left-handed Shane Warne during the third day of the fourth India versus England Test. Vaughan expressed his admiration on his official ‘X’ (previously known as Twitter) account.
Kuldeep Yadav earns Michael Vaughan's plaudits
Michael Vaughan wrote, “The best compliment I can give Kuldeep Yadav.. Today he has bowled today like a left armed Shane Warne.”
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Kuldeep kept England batters in check
In the fourth Test match against England, Kuldeep Yadav showcased exceptional form with both the bat and the ball. Facing 131 deliveries, he contributed a crucial 28 runs to India's total. Alongside Dhruv Jurel, with whom he shared a 76-run partnership from 202 balls, Kuldeep played a key role in guiding India to a respectable first-innings score of 307, in response to England's 353.
On the bowling front, Kuldeep initiated his wicket-taking spree by dismissing English opener Zak Crawley for 60 runs off 91 balls. The delivery, pitching outside off stump, turned back sharply to hit the middle stump, leaving Crawley outmatched by its turn and bounce. Ben Stokes was Yadav's next target, bowled out while attempting to defend a delivery for just 4 runs from 13 balls.
Tom Hartley became Yadav's third victim after attempting an aggressive shot against the spinner, only to be caught by Sarfaraz Khan at long-on. Kuldeep then trapped Ollie Robinson lbw for a duck, securing a four-wicket haul. Aiming for a fifth wicket, Kuldeep is set to continue his quest to quickly dismantle the remainder of the English innings.
Despite the precarious position with only two wickets remaining and Ben Foakes still at the crease, England faces a challenging situation. Foakes is under pressure to emulate Joe Root's first-innings performance and guide England towards a competitive total, aiming for the 250 to 300 run range.
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