Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Ravindra Jadeja to replace Ravichandran Ashwin in the second Test match against South Africa at Cape Town. Jadeja missed the opening Test match against the Proteas due to a back spasm but he is expected to be fit for the second game.

In fact, Jadeja has been preferred ahead of Ashwin in overseas Test matches in the last few years because of his better batting credentials. Ashwin returned with figures of 1-41 in the first Test match and could only manage scores of 8 and 0 in the two innings.

Jadeja will certainly add more strength to the team’s batting unit while batting at number six.

“Ravindra Jadeja, if fit, should come back in the team. Ashwin did bowl well from what was expected out of him on that pitch but we missed Jadeja’s control while batting at number 7 in Centurion,” said Pathan while talking to Star Sports.

Pathan reckons Mukesh Kumar could replace Prasidh Krishna in the second Test match. Krishna had conceded his runs at an economy rate of 4.70 in the opening Test and could only take a solitary wicket.

“If you’re Rohit Sharma and you want to go with the same bowling attack, that’s also fine. But if you’re thinking of making a change, Mukesh Kumar could come in for Prasidh Krishna. But if you feel Prasidh is confident in the nets, then he should be backed for the second Test,” Pathan added.

India’s bowling looked toothless in the opening Test match and they will need to turn the tables to level the series. The visitors will have to come up with a collective effort with both bat and ball.

The second Test match between South Africa and India will be played at the Newlands, Cape Town from January 3.