xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India is likely to make changes in the playing XI for the fourth test match against England which starts at Oval from September 02. As per reports the axe may fall on senior pacer Ishant Sharma who struggled to find rhythm at Headingley. Ishant's figures of 22-0-92-0 were worst among the Indian pacers as England scored 432 runs but more importantly, the veteran looked jaded.

There has been no confirmation whether Ishant, who has had a history of ankle injuries as well as side strain issues, was fully fit during the third Test match. India captain Virat Kohli did refused to divulge into the matter after the Headingley test but did indicate that there will be changes keeping in mind the workload of the pace bowlers.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's knee scan report hasn't revealed any significant damage but off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin looks favourite to start in the fourth Test at the Oval. The venue which traditionally does not favour pacers might influence the team management to pick the experienced spinner ahead of Ravindra Jadeja. The off spinner had a great county game for Surrey at the same venue won't be benched at least in this game.

In case of Ishant going dropped, the choice would again be between Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur. Shardul with his better batting abilities has his nose ahead but Umesh is certainly a better red ball bowler. But what might go against Umesh is he has last played for the country long time back.

But with Kohli clearly pointing out that workload will be monitored, it remains to be seen whether the seasoned Mohammed Shami with 11 wickets from 96.5 overs is rested to keep him fresh for the final Test or Jasprit Bumrah.

Bumrah has bowled the maximum overs among Indian pacers (108 overs) taking 14 wickets. The pacer is expected to play most games for Mumbai Indians in the IPL and is very important member of the T20 World Cup team.

The five match series is leveled at 1-1 with two more test matches to go.