‘Why can't Bumrah play his fourth Test?': Aakash Chopra on India's playing XI for Oval Test

Indian Express

3 days ago

With the Anderson-Tendulkar series on the line, Indian management will need to hammer their heads for the match-winning bowling attack for the fifth and final Test at the Oval, which appears to be a far cry for now. Having already played his three Tests, the question around Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the Oval Test will be the major talking point. With Mohammed Siraj also grinding his body for the last four Tests on the bounce, skipper Shubman Gill will need to take a call on his inclusion as well.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra feels there will be a definite change in the bowling attack as India trail the five-match Test series 2-1 ahead of the final Test.
'I feel there will be changes. Bumrah has decided that he will play three (Tests) only. Should he play three only? I feel a fourth can be played. Why can't he play his fourth Test and the fifth Test of the series? I feel he should play,' said Chopra on his YouTube channel.
Chopra said he is not too sure about the fitness of the rest of the Indian pacers as well. 'I don't know about Siraj's fitness, although Gauti came and said that everyone is available. However, is he available? Is he 100 per cent? Akash Deep and Arshdeep, I don't know,' said Chopra.
However, Chopra vouched for Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav's place and said he deserves to play on the Oval surface, which will assist spinners in the latter half of the match.
'I feel Kuldeep Yadav should definitely be played at The Oval ground because this is a surface that eventually helps spin, and he is also crafty and skillful. You need to bring such bowlers into the game. The Bazball-playing English team might look to slog him a lot,' he said.
'It might backfire if they are unable to read him from the hand. I will put the stamp for Kuldeep Yadav. I have no idea about the rest of the bowling combination that should be played for the fifth Test. I see Jaddu and Sundar playing. So you have got these three spinners, but then, you also need fast bowlers,' Chopra added.