India vs England 2021: It's Unfortunate That He Hasn't Bowled So Far - Bharat Arun Says R Ashwin And Ravindra Jadeja Could Play Together At Oval

India‘s bowling coach Bharat Arun has indicated that there is a chance for Ravichandran Ashwin to make his maiden appearance in the Test series at the Oval – given the conditions assist spinners, which it has historically done at this particular venue.

Ashwin, the second-ranked ICC Test bowler, has been benched for the three Tests so far in the series despite being arguably India’s best bowler in the WTC final. The ploy of playing four pacers and Ravindra Jadeja’s superior batting ability has rendered Ashwin to carry drinks so far.

Now, as Bharat Arun said,  “there is an opportunity” for the off-spinner to make his mark felt in the fourth Test replacing a pacer.

“It depends on the conditions, the wickets and things like that. There is no doubt that Ashwin is probably one of our best bowlers but it is unfortunate that he hasn’t bowled so far. If there is an opportunity and if we feel that he is going to fit into the scheme of things, we could definitely see both of them bowling in tandem,” Bharat Arun said in the press conference on Wednesday. 

“The history at the Oval suggests it helps spin, but we also know how the Englishmen are weary of Ashwin’s abilities and what he can do if there is any little assistance from the track. I think the most realistic option would be to have a look at the track tomorrow morning because anything can happen from now until tomorrow,” he added.

Ravindra Jadeja is absolutely fit: Bharat Arun

There were concerns about Jadeja’s fitness, The all-rounder was taken to the hospital for a scan of his knee after the 3rd test. The left-hander had hurt his knee while fielding during England’s innings at Headingley. Jadeja, however, bowled and batted in the game. He posted a picture of himself wearing a green scrub from the hospital when he went for the scans.

Bharat Arun quashed all the worries and affirmed that the allrounder is fit for the Oval Test.

“It was just a normal precautionary scan that we went through. All he (Jadeja) had to was wear the hospital dress and he took a picture of that and that created a bigger scam than that. There is nothing to it and Jadeja is absolutely fit,” the bowling coach stated.

England are boosted with the return of Chris Woakes who missed the first three Tests. They will, however, miss the services of Jos Buttler who has pulled out of the remainder of the series awaiting birth of his second child.

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