(Cricket news) India are 2-1 up in the series against England with 1 game to go. Having secured at least a draw, India are also favourites to win the upcoming game in Manchester. India has gone with the exact same combination of 4 seamers and Ravindra Jadeja. The combination has worked very well for Virat Kohli but Ravichandran Ashwin has been a victim to it.
Ashwin is the best spinner in the world right now and has been for a long time. Virat Kohli has been bombarded with questions about Ashwin's absence throughout the series but has maintained a standard explanation. The captain has often said that 4 seamers come very handy in English conditions and Jadeja's ability with willow makes him undroppable. It is pretty much clear that Ashwin will never play at no. 7. India will have to go with 2 spinners for Ashwin to make the side unless Kohli decides to go with 7 pure batsmen.
Also read: Bowler's heroics earn India first Oval win in 50 years to go 2-1 up with 1 match to go
The Oval was one ground where Ashwin was the most needed. A lot of experts and fans opined that England wouldn't have a chance on day 5 if Ashwin was in the side. India ended up winning the match comfortably in the end but Ashwin's presence would've ended the game sooner. The likelihood that Ashwin plays the last Test is very less as Old Trafford will not assist the spinners any more than the Oval. The Indian camp will not be too keen on changing the winning combination unless injuries and fatigue play a part.
Ashwin's selection has been in the center of debate but India have decided to respect the conditions more than the personal. Even England haven't played a specialist spinner which might change as Jack Leech has been added to the 5th Test squad. There is absolutely nothing that Ashwin has done wrong. For Ashwin to make the side, India need a proper fast bowling all-rounder like Ben Stokes or Jacques Kallis. Shardul Thakur is almost there but there are still question marks if his prowess with the willow is good enough to play number 7.
