Ricky Ponting Endorses Arshdeep Singh for India's Test XI in England Series

Former Australian skipper and current Punjab Kings coach Ricky Ponting has strongly indicated that left-arm bowler Arshdeep Singh will debut in Test cricket in India's next series against England.

Arshdeep, who was recently named in his first Test squad, has been a regular high point of T20 internationals for the last four years and is at present India's top wicket-taker in the format.

After sharing close work with Arshdeep at Punjab Kings, Ponting complimented the selectors for taking a shrewd call in adding him to the squad alongside proven pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna. He mentioned the tactical benefit of possessing a left-arm fast bowler in English conditions where swing and seam movement tend to assume a central role.

Ponting indicated that Arshdeep will likely be part of the playing XI in the first Test, which begins on June 20 at Leeds. "India already has quality pace resources in Bumrah and Siraj, but having a quality left-arm bowler like Arshdeep will add variety and balance to the attack," Ponting added. Ponting pointed to Arshdeep's ability to present the seam and swing the ball well, both of which will be particularly useful on England's historically bowler-friendly pitches.

Knowledge of the Dukes ball, employed in England and county cricket where Arshdeep has played previously, further improves his capacity for the task, Ponting said.

Ponting also referred to the outstanding success of Arshdeep with the new ball in the Indian Premier League. With 18 wickets in the ongoing IPL season, Arshdeep is among the highest wicket-getters with powerplay overs, persistently giving trouble to batsmen right at the start. Such performance under duress with the white ball establishes the confidence level in his skills at the Test level.

As Ponting views it, Arshdeep is entering the best years of his career and is already equipped to deal with the rigors of Test cricket. His selection is regarded as a valuable addition to India's fast bowling ranks for the key England series.