Wisden overview
The son of an Asian Games long-jump gold medallist and himself a state-level high-jumper, Tinu Yohannan was the first man from Kerala to play cricket for India. He took to cricket only after the World Cup in 1996, and had had no formal coaching when he was introduced to the former Indian fast bowler TA Sekhar at the MRF Pace Academy. After four years of training under Dennis Lillee – and only eight first-class matches - Yohannan played his first Test for India alongside two other debutant fast bowlers, and took the wicket of Mark Butcher with only his fourth ball. Tall and muscular, he achieves fair pace and disconcerting bounce from a remarkably fluid run-up, while the open chest at point of delivery is made for the inswinger. A good yorker and an effective bouncer complete the set. Rahul Bhattacharya

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