Will Kuldeep Yadav Play 5th Test At The Oval? News24 –

India’s fighting response in Manchester has given a new twist to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, building up towards a cliff-hanger fifth Test at The Oval, where the final match will get underway on Thursday, July 31. The outcome at Old Trafford has left the series tantalisingly balanced, and India will be hoping to level the series at 2-2.

ENG Vs IND, 5th Test – What Can Be The Likely Changes?

With a crucial encounter coming up, team management is considering potential alterations to the playing XI. One of the areas of debate is Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness. In a report in The Times of India, his availability is still under evaluation, even though the pacer is said to be in the running despite experiencing pain during the Manchester Test. Luckily for India, a gritty batting effort gave Bumrah some relief in the second innings, and head coach Gautam Gambhir offered a reassuring update that all pacers are match-fit. This might pave the way for Bumrah to play a fourth time on this tour, along with Mohammed Siraj and a now-fit Akash Deep, having recovered from a groin niggle picked up at Lord’s. Consequently, debutant Anshul Kamboj, who did not fare well in Manchester, is likely to sit out in the series decider.

“It is understood that a ‘wildcard’ approach could be followed as far as Bumrah is concerned, and the team management is likely to shore up wicket-taking options for the fixture.” according to a report by The Times of India

Kuldeep Yadav Likely To Play 5th Test

Another possible alteration could be the return of Kuldeep Yadav, who has not played so far this tour. The Oval is considered to be a traditional English ground that tends to favour spin bowling as the game progresses. In the last ten years, spinners have an average of 27.72 at the ground, the best spin-friendly figures in England over that period, with 80 wickets in 10 Tests (minimum five Tests played).

With the pitch at the Oval known for offering bounce and turn traditionally, Kuldeep’s recent form has seen him receiving serious consideration for the team, or so it is suggested. RevSportz echoed a similar opinion, indicating that the 31-year-old was very much in the running to play.

The last piece of the puzzle will be if India hold onto Shardul Thakur for his all-round skills or enhance their spin option with the inclusion of Kuldeep. With the series at stake and redemption within reach particularly for Gambhir, whose captaincy has been questioned after previous series losses against New Zealand and Australia India’s selection decisions will be instrumental in determining what transpires at The Oval.