'England has four left-handers, so a good match-up for Jadeja' - Virat Kohli explains Ravi Ashwin's absence in the fourth Test

India is up against England for a five-match Test series and the fourth Test is in action today (September 02) at The Oval. A lot was being talked about ahead of this Test in reference to team combinations and fans eagerly waited for the XI that would step in the fourth Test. As soon as Toss was done, Indian skipper Virat Kohli opened up on the combination and Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur were fetched in the XI.

Both pacers replaced Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj from the XI as they developed a niggle, Kohli explained. However, the biggest talk was around ace spinner Ravi Ashwin making a cut in the XI, who has been warming benches in the series so far. It is expected that pitch at The Oval will start turning in second innings and hence Ashwin’s entry was very much on cards.

However, management persisted with four seamers and Ravindra Jadeja in the XI. Kohli further explained this by adding that England have four left-handers, so it will be a good match-up for Jadeja. Ashwin’s absence in the lot is being questioned once again and it remains to be seen if India can dominate this game and take the series in their favour, which stands leveled at 1-1.

We can’t focus too much on individuals: Virat Kohli

“We would have bowled first as well but toss isn’t something you can control. Need to be prepared for either. We’re looking forward to putting runs on the board,” said Kohli after the toss as quoted by HT.

“Two changes – Ishant and Shami have niggles – Umesh and Shardul are back. For us, it’s about partnerships, we can’t focus too much on individuals. England has four left-handers, so a good match-up for Jadeja, with our seamers bowling over the wicket. Also factors in his balance at No.7. The opening partnership has been amazing for us, it’s about getting together as batsmen. A few days left on this tour, the series is poised beautifully, and no shortage of effort, for sure,” said Kohli on team combination for the fourth Test.