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Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was once again left out of the playing XI for the fourth test match against England at the Oval. The Indian team management decided to go in with Ravindra Jadeja as the lone spinner. The visitors made two changes with Shardul Thakur replacing an injured Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami making way for Umesh Yadav. With the Oval track having a history of favouring spin, it was expected that Ashwin will get an opportunity in the playing XI. The off spinner had a decent outing at the venue during the County Championship game for Surrey. He bagged 6/27 against Somerset.

With the surface at Oval known to break up more as the game progresses, it would have brought the spinners into the game. England has four left-handers in their line-up and certainly Ashwin would’ve been more than handy with his off-spins. But as things stand, the world’s best spinner finds him being left out yet again.

It is assumed Ravindra Jadeja has been favoured largely for his batting abilities at number seven while he has picked only two wickets in five innings. The Indian captain made it clear it was the team combination they have preferred. Certainly former cricketers and fans seems to disagree with the team management’s decision to leave out Ashwin.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Ashwin’s non inclusion: