Former India cricketer turned renowned commentator Aakash Chopra wants Team India to play five bowlers – three pacers and two spinners – during the upcoming Test series against England. He also shared that this time around the ball grips and turns in England and Team India should include both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja to their playing XI as well.
Howveer, India recently lost to New Zealand in the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) final and their team selection came on the radar as well. Their India’s decision to play both spinners on a seaming track in Southampton didn’t go their way and was heavily criticized as well.
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While speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra stated: “Try and play five bowlers – three fast bowlers and two spinners. Even if Rishabh Pant bats at six in that case, Ashwin and Jadeja can definitely contribute with the bat. They will have to put mind to matter and score runs. But playing three fast bowlers and two spinners will give Team India incredible depth in the bowling. Bumrah, Shami and Ishant will be my three pacers while Ashwin and Jadeja can handle the spin department. Second half of English summer, the ball is going to grip and turn. The first match is in Nottingham, where Team India might go in with only four bowlers. But going ahead in the series, five bowlers should be a must according to me.”
Meanwhile, Team India has been struggling with the injury scares where Shubman Gill has been already ruled out, But according to Chopra, India should go with their best choice alongside Rohit Sharma, who has tasted success as an opener in India as well. However, both teams will meet in the first match of the five-match Test series from August 4 in Nottingham.
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Aakash Chopra explained: “There are not plenty of options in the opening department. Team India’s camp does seem to have a lot of confidence in Abhimanyu Easwaran as of now, as per reports. Mayank Agarwal is making a comeback of sorts. Prithvi Shaw has been chosen on the back of some stellar white-ball form. So, Agarwal should open with Rohit Sharma since KL Rahul has been earmarked as a middle-order bat. Team India should avoid experimenting with Cheteshwar Pujara and Hanuma Vihari at the top of the order.”
