Our Bureau
London
The fifth and final test of the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy has begun as both sides lock horns for one last time to decide the result of what has been one of the most thrilling series in recent memory. Both India and England have made multiple changes to their playing XI for the fifth Test at The Oval.
There was a lot of speculation ahead of the fifth test regarding who will be dropped and who will be added in the playing side as people expected quite a few changes to India’s side. Dhruv Jurel, who has been on the ground for the last two tests as the substitute wicket-keeper after the injury to Rishabh Pant has now replaced the Indian Vice-captain and is part of the eleven.
Karun Nair, who was dropped in the last match in favor of Sai Sudarshan has been recalled to add depth to their batting. India has recalled Akash Deep, the star of their victory at Edgbaston in the second test. He missed the last game as he was battling an injury. Along with him, Prasidh Krishna has also been named a part of the playing XI.
Spinner Kuldeep Yadav was ignored once again after many believed that he should’ve been the part of the playing XI for multiple test matches. India’s left arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has also not found a place in the playing side and will have to wait for now to make his red-ball debut.
India have strengthened their batting order adding a proper batsmen in Nair in place of an allrounder Shardul Thakur. Pant who suffered a nasty injury in the last game was set to miss out along with Jasprit Bumrah who was rested in this game for work load management. Anshul Kamboj who had a mediocre debut match at Old Trafford has also been dropped and Krishna has been recalled to the side.
India’s Playing XI for the Fifth Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.
