Virat Kohli Presses Panic Button, Summons Stuart Binny as 16th Man

Harbhajan Singh’s spot in the playing XI seems to be in danger with the team adding Binny as their 16th man in SL.

31-year-old Stuart Binny has played just three test matches for India. (Photo: Reuters)

In a desperate bid to get their team combination right, the Indian cricket team has summoned Karnataka all-rounder Stuart Binny as the 16th member of the Test squad ahead of the second Test, starting Thursday.

The BCCI media release states, “All-rounder Stuart Binny will join the Indian Cricket Team before the second match of the three-match Test series in Sri Lanka.” But it’s apparent that the 31-year-old veteran is very much in the scheme of things as far as playing XI for the second Test is concerned.

(Photo: AP)

Skipper Virat Kohli has insisted on a five-bowler theory for the team but that needs a solid No 7 and Wriddhiman Saha as a specialist No 6 is something that the Indian team management needs to ponder upon a lot.

While Thursday’s P Sara Oval wicket is traditionally known for being firm and even bounce in nature, Binny who is more of a batting all-rounder can fill in the fifth bowler’s slot and can also be a reasonably dependable No 7.

(Photo: AP)

Binny has played 3 Test matches for India and his most notable effort was a knock of 78 in the second innings on his debut at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham. He has however not taken any wickets in the 32 overs he has bowled.

As of now, what looks imminent is that Harbhajan Singh might just have to make way for Binny.

It has been learnt that Murali Vijay’s hamstring injury is being monitored by Team physio Patrick Farhart and a final call on his inclusion in playing XI will be taken a day before the second Test.