India’s fifth and final Test against England at The Oval might see left-arm bowler Arshdeep Singh make his Test debut. With India behind 1-2 in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the management is expected to make changes to the bowling team, particularly Jasprit Bumrah, who may be rested due to fatigue concerns.
The 25-year-old had been expected to make his debut in the fourth Test in Manchester. However, an unfortunate thumb injury sustained during a practice session in Beckenham kept him out of the game. After getting sutures and weeks of rehabilitation, he bowled at full intensity during an optional net session prior to the final Test.
According to the TOI report, the team management planned to use Arshdeep in the last two Tests. With Bumrah likely to rest and concerns about Mohammed Siraj’s exhaustion, Arshdeep might provide balance to the bowling unit. His boyhood coach, Jaswant Rai, also supported him for a red-ball debut.
Arshdeep Singh has been working closely with bowling coach Morne Morkel over the last month
Arshdeep, who is a T20 World Cup winner and was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 17 wickets, was instrumental in India’s famous final win, delivering a brilliant 19th over that conceded just four runs. Despite his T20 success, Arshdeep has always aspired to play Test cricket.
The left-armer has been working closely with bowling coach Morne Morkel over the last month to hone his red-ball skills. Alongside Arshdeep, Siraj, and Akash Deep are expected to be the other seamers in the lineup. A final decision on Bumrah will likely be taken closer to match day. There’s also a possibility that Kuldeep Yadav might replace Shardul Thakur, adding a wrist-spin option. With the series on the line, the Oval Test will be a chance for the visitors to level the series.
India’s predicted XI for fifth Test against England:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
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