Legendary West Indies batsman Brian Lara has backed Australia all-rounder Nathan Coulter-Nile to fill the third seamer spot for Mumbai Indians in their much-awaited match against Chennai Super Kings to be played on Sunday in UAE.

Lara feels that Coulter-Nile is more than capable with the bat and he could be a game changer for Mumbai Indians in the second leg of the Indian Premier (IPL) in the hot and humid conditions of the UAE.

“You want a third seamer in the UAE. It’s very hot. You expect pitches to be dry and turn a bit. Nathan Coulter-Nile, for me is always a good choice with the ball and he also fills the gap with the bat. Their dilemma is whether to go with a double spin attack or go in with a third seamer. I’ll have to see the conditions in the UAE to make that decision, Nathan Coulter-Nile will be my choice,” Lara told cricket.com.

Mumbai Indians will play Chennai Super Kings on Sunday to kick-start the second leg of the IPL. Mumbai Indians are placed at the fourth position with eight points in seven matches so far.

Lara feels the five-time champions will again start as the favourites to lift the IPL trophy.

“The fact that the Mumbai Indians left Chepauk with a little bit of success, I think that will give them the confidence they need. They are going back to the UAE, where they won the IPL 2020. For me they are going to start favourites,” said Lara.

“Their confidence is going to be high just from the fact that they have good memories of playing in the UAE. I think they can get the better of CSK,” he said.