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The fourth Test between England and India ended in a thrilling draw, keeping the five-match series alive and intensifying the anticipation for the final showdown at The Oval. England currently lead the series 2-1, meaning they need just one more victory to seal the series, while India must win the fifth Test to force a draw and avoid a series defeat.
Ravichandran Ashwin suggests India’s ideal combination for the Oval Test
Speaking on his YouTube channel, India’s veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin put forward his recommendations for the series-deciding Test. Ashwin strongly advocated for the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, highlighting how the success story of Washington Sundar as a batter could give captain Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir the confidence to make that call.
“The success story of Washington Sundar as a batter should give Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir the chance to play Kuldeep Yadav. My subscribers write in the comments that I talk a lot about Kuldeep. I don’t know what will happen at The Oval—it is not the most conducive pitch for spinners right now. But we have no option. Please consider Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar as batters, let them play in the top six, bring Dhruv Jurel in, and please give that opportunity to Kuldeep Yadav,” Ashwin said.
“Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja are high-quality batters who can bowl really well. Sundar is a batter who can bowl; Jadeja has also turned himself into a batter who can bowl. You have to look at them as top six batters who can give you a lot of balance,” he added.
Jasprit Bumrah’s workload and the battle ahead
The fifth and final Test begins on July 31 at The Oval, and excitement is at an all-time high. Apart from selection calls, one of the biggest talking points is whether Jasprit Bumrah will play, given India’s concerns around managing his workload. A tactical decision involving Bumrah’s availability, Kuldeep’s inclusion, and the balance of the batting order will be crucial for India’s hopes of leveling the series. With high stakes, team combinations under the spotlight, and the series on the line, cricket fans can expect a thrilling contest in London.
