India vs England 2021: Ravichandran Ashwin Might Play In 4th Test, Ishant Sharma Could Be Rested, Suggest Reports

Some reports are claiming that Ravichandran Ashwin might be picked for the India vs England 2021 4th Test encounter. Ravichandran Ashwin, who is a batting all-rounder, is part of India’s squad in the ongoing tour of England. However, the off-spinner not has made it into the playing XI in the 3 Test matches so far. However, reports suggest that the Chennai cricketer might be picked ahead of Ishant Sharma in the next game.

The move comes after India lost the 3rd Test against England by a huge margin. While many Indian batsmen failed to take the team to a big total in both innings, the pacers also largely failed to make an impact. While England bowlers restricted India to just 78 in the first innings, Indian bowlers showed England to reach 432 before bowling them out. India will lock horns with England in the 4^th Test at Kennington Oval in London on September 2 (Thursday).

Ravichandran Ashwin Might Replace Ishant Sharma In 4th Test

Among Indian pacers, Ishant Sharma emerged with the worst bowling show in the match. In his 22 overs, the right-arm pacer remained wicketless while conceding a lot of runs. In his 22 overs, he conceded 92 runs, having the highest economy rate of 4.20 among 5 Indian bowlers who bowled in the match.

Ishant failed to come up with the deadly bowling attack, which he is known for. Meanwhile, all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja has also undergone a scan for his knee. The report did not reveal any severe damage.

Talking about inducting Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing XI started ahead of the Lord’s Test, with many cricket experts calling for a need of a powerful spinner at the Lord’s cricket stadium. After India came out with a spectacular bowling show in the 2nd Test at Lord’s, the Virat Kohli and co. chose the same playing XI in the 3rd Test as well.

If Ishant Sharma is rested, Umesh Yadav or Shardul Thakur might also be brought in the team. Shardul Thakur impressed with his bowling in recent times but Umesh Yadav is definitely far more superior in the matter of red-ball experience.

Virat Kohli also mentioned that the workload will be monitored in the Indian squad. As a result, either Mohammed Shami or Jasprit Bumrah might also be rested in the 4th test to keep them fresh for the final Test. Mohammed Shami has bowled 96 overs in the 3 games so far while Jasprit Bumrah has delivered 108 overs.

Hence, changes in the playing XI in the Indian team look quite evident in the 4th Test, and in such a situation, Ravichandran Ashwin has a high possibility to feature in India’s playing XI in the next match.

Also Read: Very Pleased With Cheteshwar Pujara’s Batting In India Vs England 3rd Test At Headingley, Says Virat Kohli