Just three days later, the fifth and final Test of the IND vs ENG series commences, and just as usual, there is some selection headache for Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir. Despite the series 2-1, they have made some poor calls till now, and at the Oval, that must stop, if the team wants to have a winning chance.
Unfortunately for them, as was revealed before the start of the series Jasprit Bumrah will most likely not be available for the clash, and so will Rishabh Pant, who is out injured. InsideSport takes a look at the changes — that the team should incorporate for best returns.
No Changes in Batting Order
Yashasvi Jaiswal has blown hot and cold in the series, but statistically remains the best batter in the team. On the other hand, KL Rahul is the second-highest run-getter in the series, with 511 runs, with two tons in four matches. Yes, Sai Sudharsan proved his worth with 60-odd in the first innings of the Manchester Test, so he stays put.
No Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel Comes in
Dhruv Jurel is Pant’s like-for-like replacement. He won’t be as flamboyant as the southpaw, but he is fully capable of delivering with the bat. As far as keeping is concerned, he has already filled-in, in two matches already. He could very well occupy Pant’s batting position too.
Kuldeep Yadav Gets a Chance, Shardul Thakur Out
Now, once again, the time is correct to incorporate Kuldeep Yadav in the team. The time was correct in the previous four matches as well, but then India has to think wicket-taking options. Shardul isn’t that wicket-taking option for them, And hence, the team needs to go with three spinners — with Kuldeep being their main weapon.
No Bumrah, No Siraj, A New Look Pace Attack for India
This is where the game changes. Jasprit Bumrah won’t play. And Mohammed Siraj shouldn’t play. The latter has bowled 139 overs in 4 matches, and it is only understandable, that he must be tired. He isn’t nursing any issue, but just to give chance to a fresh pacer — Gautam Gambhir needs to get in fully fit pacers.
If Akash Deep if recovered, he becomes the pace spearhead. And then for company he will have Arshdeep Singh, and also Prasidh Krishna. This would be debut match for the left-armer, but Krishna has played two matches, where he picked up 6 wickets. The management needs to show some trust in these individuals.
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