India vs England 2021: I Don’t Think Virat Kohli Will Be Making Too Many Changes For The Oval Test - Salman Butt

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt opined that India is unlikely to make many changes to their eleven which lost the Headingley Test for the upcoming fourth Test at the Oval. England, who lost the second Test at Lord’s, routed back with an innings-and-76-run victory in the third Test.

Taking Virat Kohli’s post-match words into consideration, Salman Butt reckons the Indian skipper is likely to stick to a similar team for the fourth game, despite conceding a heavy loss.

“After hearing Virat Kohli’s press conference, I don’t think he will be making too many changes for The Oval Test. He was not speaking about individual performances and instead said that everyone in the think-tank is concerned with how the team is performing, whether winning or losing. Kohli did not single out any particular player, which is good,” Salman Butt said in his YouTube video.

“He said that the team will reflect on the improvements that are needed once the series is over. So he did not speak about any chopping and changing in the team.”

For the Oval Test, England are further strengthened by the return of Chris Woakes. India, on the other hand, may miss the services of Ravindra Jadeja as he was taken for a scan of his knee after the game.

I think at least Ashwin will play this game: Salman Butt

In case, Jadeja is not fit for the fourth Test, this may make way for Ravichandran Ashwin to make his first appearance in the series; the off-spinner had been benched for all the three Tests in the series after he played in the WTC final.

Salman Butt reckons Ashwin stands a chance to feature in the fourth Test, although Kohli had said the inclusion of an extra spinner “depends on the pitch” after the Leeds game. It is unlikely going to be any change in the batting department either.

“Any Asian side coming to England takes time to settle down. So he must be keen on carrying on with the same players. I think at least Ashwin will play this game. As for the batting, I don’t think he is going to make any changes.

“Remember, Kohli also said that he doesn’t believe in playing the extra batter in Test matches. According to him, if five-six cannot do the job, you cannot expect a seventh to do a lot,” the former opener added.

Kohli had also mentioned resting and rotating his pacers as there is little time to rest between the last three Tests of the series.

Also Read: I Am Predicting Virat Kohli Will Score A Hundred Somewhere Along The Line – Brad Hogg