'When it comes to batting talent, India are best placed of all teams': Ian Chappell lauds India's squad depth

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell believes that a team with the best squad depth would have a huge advantage in the ongoing pandemic era. With the Covid-19 rules and regulations in place, the bio-bubble fatigue, and travel restrictions have led to teams using different squads for different tournaments.

In a column on ESPNCricinfo, Chappell wrote that a solid squad is the most prized possession of cricketing nations. He further went on to praise India, England, and New Zealand's squad depth.

"It has become abundantly clear during this pandemic-ravaged era that one of the prized ingredients in a cricket squad is depth. Ideally, it should be both in batting and bowling," he wrote.

"India displayed their ample depth - particularly in quick bowling - in defeating Australia on their recent tour. In making six changes from the first to second Test and still defeating England comfortably at Edgbaston, New Zealand surprised with their talent too.

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"England have displayed both depth and flexibility by comprehensively blanking Pakistan in their three-match ODI series. Their prospects for the Ashes in Australia were also boosted by the skilful showing of both Saqib Mahmood and Brydon Carse, two bowlers whose pace should be an asset on bouncy pitches," Chappell added.

He further went on to praise India's development system and said India have the best batting pool among all teams.

"When it comes to batting talent, India are best placed of all the teams. Their development system, which produces players with traditional techniques and provides ample opportunities at first-class level, is one to be envied," he said.

"(But) mind you, the extent of India's reserves will be fully tested on the England tour as they have already had to react to isolation requirements and they haven't even played a warm-up game. Just another example of why modern cricket teams consider depth king," he added.

Chappell also went on to express concerns over Australia's lack of depth in the squad.

"The one major team whose recent performances haven't implied substantial depth are Australia," Chappell wrote.

"Batting is the main area of concern and the batters haven't flourished in the Caribbean, with only Mitchell Marsh making his mark. But Marsh is unlikely to replace Cameron Green as the Test allrounder batting at six.

"Once again the Australian batting was shown to be fragile when David Warner and Steve Smith are missing. A glance at the Sheffield Shield batting performances for the last couple of seasons doesn't inspire much confidence that the new wave of stars is on the horizon," he signed off.