As always, there was a lot of discussion about India’s playing XI in the fourth Test against England at The Oval. When Virat Kohli announced the change in the team, R was waiting for Ashwin to come back. But this was not to happen, as the offspinner remained on the bench. Instead, India added Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur into the mix. Umesh was playing his first match of the series, while Thakur, who played the first match, missed the next match due to injury. He was dropped from the third Test, which India lost.
While many were confused by Ashwin’s exit, Kohli’s explanation didn’t help either.
“It is something that we thought was a good match for Jadeja as well, mostly because all our fast bowlers bowl over the wicket. It is also a good place for left-handed batsmen. I think match-up wise, it fits in perfectly for our team – plus he is giving us balance with the bat as well,” Kohli explained at the toss.
No other left-arm bowler has got more dismissals in Test cricket than Ashwin. However, there was such a combination that India felt comfortable with, that there was no place for Ashwin.
Meanwhile, it is early day, but both the changes made by India were justified on the first day. Thakur scored a potentially game-changing fifty; Brilliant counter attack of 57 runs in 36 balls. Umesh made an impact by straight out to Joe Root.
Thakur came to the crease and India were quickly shattered for 117 for 6. He scored runs on the front foot and back foot with real strength. He pulled up and fluttered with the same speed. He was dismissed by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow just before 50 runs. Ultimately, he was dismissed lbw by Chris Woakes, who made a remarkable return to Test cricket after an injury.
Thakur’s aggression and defiance when the chips were down and the ball was still swinging was refreshing. This perhaps raises the question of why he was not selected to play in the last Test at Headingley, which ended in disaster for the visitors. The Lord’s win forced India to go with an unchanged XI at Leeds, but Thakur was the first choice of the series opener.
Thakur scored a zero in the first Test but took four wickets in two innings, which was not bad for the fourth pacer’s role. Considering that he is a genuine swing bowler who can take the ball away with the right hand, Thakur is a useful package.
Umesh, meanwhile, comes for Mohammed Shami, who is taking a swallow. Umesh beautifully dismissed Root, who hit back to the off-stump, giving India rest to end the day’s play. Some more such players can probably help India take the lead in the first innings.
Meanwhile, India tried Ravindra Jadeja at No 5 but the move didn’t work as he scored only 10 runs. Ajinkya Rahane continued his poor form with only 14 runs. Both will soon have to up their game.
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