India captain Shubman Gill has dropped a big hint that left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh will finally make his Test debut in the fifth and final match against England at The Oval on Thursday. The 26-year-old has played 63 T20Is and nine ODIs for India. He was expected to get his maiden Test cap at Old Trafford in the last match but he got injured.
With the series currently 2-1 in England’s favour, Gill is expected to make at least a couple of changes to strengthen the side. Arshdeep is most likely to replace pacer Anshul Kamboj or Jasprit Bumrah. Akash Deep will also return to the playing XI in place of one of these two pacers. A call on who India pick between Shardul Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav will depend upon the pitch at The Oval.
The final Test is important for India as they look to avoid a series loss. They drew the last Test in Manchester.
Also read: IND vs ENG: No Rest for Jasprit Bumrah! Sanjay Bangar Says India Must ‘Make Him Play’ at The Oval
Shubman Gill Hints at Arshdeep Singh’s Inclusion for The Oval Test
Shubman Gill confirmed that Arshdeep Singh has been asked to be on standby for a possible debut but said the final call would be made after looking at the conditions.
"Arshdeep Singh has been asked to get ready but we will take a call on the Playing XI after looking at the pitch, by this evening. England haven't gone with a frontline spinner. Jacob Bethell and Joe Root - I think they are going to have their spinning options with them. We have Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who have such a good job with the ball and the bat. On their front, it's a no-brainer for us," Gill said as quoted in the pre-match press conference.
Gill also addressed the decision to prefer Sundar over playing a specialist bowler like Kuldeep. He said:
"Washington, he is someone who has given us so much control with the bowling. His batting has been a really big plus for us. We are fortunate to have players like him in the team, who can prevent a collapse. With him we have improved that area."
Decision on Jasprit Bumrah's Availability Left for Match Day
Gill was also asked about Bumrah’s availability for the final Test. The India captain did not give a clear answer but suggested that the green pitch would influence their call.
"We will take a decision tomorrow, wicket looks very green. So let's see," Gill shared.
Notably, Bumrah was supposed to be available for only three Tests on the tour. He has already played three matches. However, with the series on the line, India would want to include their pace spearhead in the playing XI. But given his fitness issues, there is a big risk involved.
India will need a win at The Oval to draw the series 2-2 in what is the last Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Also read: India’s Predicted XI for IND vs ENG 5th Test: Is Jasprit Bumrah Available?
