With the ongoing series against England on the line and India’s down 2-1, the fifth and final Test at The Oval is a critical match for the Shubman Gill-led side. They’ve had their moments in the series. However, the hosts have won more often in crucial times.
India’s only success was a 336-run win in the second Test at Edgbaston, following England’s five-wicket victory in the series opener at Headingley. England restored the lead after winning the next match at Lord’s by 22 runs. The fourth Test in Manchester resulted in a hard-fought tie, after it appeared that India would lose by an innings.
ENG vs IND 5th Test: 3 key changes India’s must make to win
1. Dhruv Jurel for Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant’s injured toe has forced him to miss the final Test match. He was forced to retire injured when a reverse sweep during India’s first innings of the fourth match went wrong. Despite returning courageously to reach a half-century, Pant was unable to keep for the entire match, with Dhruv Jurel doing an excellent job with the gloves.
The fourth Test was not the first time Jurel was brought in to replace Pant. He took over for the southpaw at Lord’s when Pant was hit on the finger while keeping. Jurel was another standout performer, scoring 94, 53*, 52, and 28 over four innings against the England Lions. He even has a great defensive technique.
2. Arshdeep Singh for Anshul Kamboj
Anshul Kamboj made a forgettable international debut after replacing Deep in the fourth match. Kamboj bowled well for India A against the England Lions, but he was unable to reproduce that performance in his debut, finishing with statistics of 1/89 in 18 overs in India’s lone innings.
Arshdeep Singh currently appears to be a far superior alternative than Kamboj. He has yet to make his red-ball debut, and the fifth Test could be his opportunity to impress at the international level. The left-hander’s angle, along with his ability to move the ball both ways, might be a great asset for India.
3. Akash Deep for Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah’s workload has been a reoccurring topic throughout the series. Akash Deep was brought in to replace Bumrah in the second Test at Edgbaston, and the right-arm medium pacer performed admirably, taking 10 wickets (10/187) to secure a comprehensive victory for his team. Deep got a little unlucky with the ball in the following game, and he was ruled out due to a groin injury.
With Bumrah set to miss the Oval Test, Deep is expected to receive another chance. He can bowl in consistent channels and worry batters with the extra zip he extracts from the deck. Deep would be an excellent foil for an already overburdened Mohammed Siraj.
India
