Three things to look out for in India’s selection announcement for the final Tests against England.
Three things to look out for in India’s selection announcement for the final Tests against England
Team India’s roster for the remaining Test series against England is shrouded in mystery. The selecting committee, directed by Ajit Agarkar, must deal with a large number of elements and considerations.
The continuous injury issue also makes it difficult for team management to retain quality in the team, as they face a tough test against a tenacious English club.
The selectors were due to meet a few days ago to confirm the team, but with numerous players out with injury, formal reports from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) were required before anything could be completed.
Team India does not have the luxury of deploying their first-choice playing XI owing to a variety of sad circumstances.
Given that the current series is far from a normal dominant affair at home, the hosts must guarantee that they are fully prepared.
On that topic, let’s have a look at three things to watch out for in India’s selection announcement for the remaining Tests against England.
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1. Virat Kohli’s Availability for the Fifth Test
Rumors about Kohli’s absence remain a prevalent aspect halfway through the series.
According to ESPNCricinfo, the former captain will also be unavailable for the next third and fourth Tests, but there is still a slim possibility he will play in the series decider in Dharamshala.
If this is the case, Team India would not just welcome the star batter back with open arms, even if only for one Test. As a consequence, he is anticipated to be chosen to the BCCI’s squad.
Based on way the series has played out thus far, the destiny of the Anthony de Mello trophy will most likely be decided in the fifth and final Test.
Kohli’s participation in the high-pressure clash will be excellent for the hosts, especially given the present middle order’s injury history, inexperience, and struggle for runs.
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2. Is Shreyas Iyer’s newest injury serious enough to keep him out for the entire series?
In the latest casualty announcement, right-handed batsman Shreyas Iyer has reported back trouble.
It should be mentioned that he underwent surgery last year, which kept him out of the Indian Premier League and the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
He played without serious difficulty at the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup, but the fact that the same ailment has flared up again is concerning.
So far, there is no clarification regarding the extent of his back stiffness, and it remains to be seen whether the team will take a chance by putting him in the squad, or take the safe way by resting him for the remaining of the series.
3. How will the seam attack develop?
So far, Jasprit Bumrah has been carrying not only the fast bowling outfit, but the whole bowling unit, which is quite uncommon in subcontinent circumstances.
However, with the right-arm pacer scheduled to rest in one of the last three Tests, India will need to improve their pace attack.
The first approach would be to return Mohammed Siraj, who did not play in the second Test and was removed from the squad.
It remains to be seen what happens with Mukesh Kumar, who was not impressive in the second Test, and Avesh Khan, who was freed for a Ranji Trophy match.