Aakash Chopra,Aakash Chopra demands clarity on KL Rahul's absence
Aakash Chopra (Image Credit: Twitter)

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has refuted criticism over India’s team selection for the fourth Test against India. The penultimate Test of the series got underway at The Oval on Thursday.

The fans and critics alike were keen to know the playing XI of Team India for the Oval Test. So when Virat Kohli announced that Ravichandran Ashwin was left out of the team once again, social media users erupted over the decision.

Ravichandran Ashwin, ICC World Test Championship
Ravichandran Ashwin (Image Credit: Twitter)

However, Chopra has come to the defense of Kohli and the team management. Ravindra Jadeja is being preferred over Ashwin, not because of his batting but the entire ‘package’ the former brings to the table.

It’s not Jadeja-the bowler that’s getting picked ahead of Ashwin in England… it’s the package that Jadeja is. And what’s in line with the balance of the side considering the 5-bowler strategy. Remember team-selection isn’t about justice…it’s about balance. #EngvInd,” Chopra wrote on Twitter.

Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja (Image Credit: Twitter)

Aakash Chopra lavishes praise on the English bowlers

Team India lost the toss and was asked to bat first once again. They got off to a poor start, losing both openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma within the first hour. The English bowlers continued to chip away at the wickets, with Cheteshwar Pujara heading back soon.

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There was a decent amount of assistance on offer but much of it was down the way the English bowlers adopted the fifth stump line, as per Chopra.

Chris Woakes
England fast bowler Chris Woakes (Credits: Getty)

The art of bowling the fifth stump line while keeping the length…not full enough to invite drives but not short enough to be cut. That’s the majority of English seam bowling for you today. #EngvInd,” Chopra wrote.

India was struggling at 127/6 at the end of 52 overs. Rishabh Pant was at the crease accompanied by Shardul Thakur at the other end.

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