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With England leading the five-match Test series 2-1, all eyes are on The Oval, where the series decider begins on Thursday, July 31. The fourth Test at Manchester ended in a thrilling draw, thanks to India’s resilient batting display, and the visitors will be eager to level the series in the upcoming clash.
Cheteshwar Pujara advocates major batting order adjustment
Veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara has proposed a significant change in India’s batting line-up for the final Test. According to him, Sai Sudharsan should take the No. 3 spot, while Dhruv Jurel — replacing the injured Rishabh Pant — could be slotted in at No. 5. However, Pujara also suggested an alternate strategy. He reckoned that Washington Sundar should bat at number 5 and Ravindra Jadeja should follow him at number 6. Pujara placed Jurel for number 7 position.
“I would actually be tempted to put Washington [Sundar] at No. 5 and Dhruv Jurel can bat at No. 7 because Jadeja stays at 6. He shouldn’t change his position but Washington can bat at No. 5 and being a left-hander it’ll be good because Rishabh was batting at No. 5 and he had very good success because he is a left-hander as well,” Pujara explained.
Balancing stability and flexibility in the middle order
Pujara emphasized that Jadeja’s role at No. 6 should remain unchanged to maintain stability. His suggestion to push Sundar up the order is aimed at adding left-right balance in the middle, replicating the impact that Pant had in the same slot.
With Jurel’s wicketkeeping duties secured, this reshuffle could give India a tactical edge, especially against England’s seasoned pace attack.
Also READ: ENG vs IND: Here’s how India have fared in Test matches at the Oval in London
Final Test promises drama and intensity
As India aim to draw the series, the team management should weigh Pujara’s insights carefully. With Pant’s absence and Jasprit Bumrah‘s unavailability already forcing changes, a bold reordering of the batting line-up could be the spark India needs at The Oval. The high-stakes clash, further spiced up by Gautam Gambhir’s recent confrontation with The Oval pitch curator, promises fireworks as both sides push for a decisive result.
