"I just can't understand the logic of leaving out a world-class bowler like Ashwin"- Danish Kaneria slams Rahul Dravid for his team selection
India appeared to be in a strong position to win the Edgbaston Test after setting a target of 378 runs. But they had no idea how well the English batters would perform on Day 4. With the exception of Jasprit Bumrah, no bowler has been able to claim a single wicket. Many experts and followers have missed Ravichandran Ashwin's at this point.
Ashwin just warmed the bench, like he did in the first four Tests against England last year, while Ravindra Jadeja was chosen to fill the lone spinner's berth. Jadeja's century in the first innings has helped to justify his selection, but his bowling performances haven't been as strong.
Danish Kaneria, a former player for Pakistan, criticized India's head coach Rahul Dravid and questioned him for leaving experienced off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin out of the fifth Test match between England and India.
He said, “I just can't understand the logic of leaving out a world-class bowler like Ashwin. Remember, this is the summer season in England”. Rahul Dravid also knows that the wicket helps the spinner later in Day 2 and Day 3. He concluded by saying “ Even yesterday, there were patches on the wicket, which Ashwin could have exploited”. He also said India is missing him big time.
On Day 4, the Edgbaston pitch abruptly ceased to support pacers in any way. As Indians failed to pick up wickets, the flatness of the surface made it relatively simple for batters to play their shots. Unbeaten centuries from Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root took England home comfortably in the 5th Test against India.
Now India will play the limited overs series against England. It will be a fascinating series to watch as both the teams are one of the best in the world. Indian captain Rohit Sharma will be back after he tested negative for Covid-19.