England vs India: Former Indian cricketer wants both Ashwin and Kuldeep to be part of the playing XI in the Test series

One of the biggest cricketing rivalries is going to take the center stage, when the two top sides, England and India will be playing a five-match Test series, starting with the 1st Test from August 1. After the highly anticipated and competitive limited overs series, there has been many rounds of talks about the typical hot conditions in England presently, which can work out the contest in favour of the visitors. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin wants the Indian captain Virat Kohli to play both Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI in the Test series.

The combination of three pacers and two spinners can help India to win the Test matches

Most of the English batters struggled to score runs against Kuldeep, who rattled the hosts with his mystery. He has already picked up a five wicket in the T20I series and a six-wicket haul in the first ODI match. Azharuddin revealed that in case of a green top, the Indian team should prefer going in the game with the combination of four fast bowlers and one spinner. He reckoned that the lone spinner will be Ashwin as the off-spinner is very much experienced to take wickets in all conditions.

However, he also mentioned that the combination of three quick bowlers and two spinners can actually help India to win the Test series. The former cricketer noted that the pitches in England are currently a lot dry and the ball will turn a lot on the last two days of the Test matches.

“If it’s a green pitch then they may go with 4-1, but I think 3-2 will be a better combination if you want to win. Because, later the pitches will get dry. It will be hot and the pitches would offer turn especially on the last two days,” said Azharuddin as quoted by the Indian Express.

The former Indian captain revealed that Kuldeep should be picked in the playing XI as the England batsman are really struggling to tackle his magical deliveries. He reckoned that both Ashwin and Kuldeep should play as the two spinners in the upcoming series. Azharuddin also feels that it will be very difficult for Ravindra Jadeja to make his place in the playing XI.

”He is performing so he should be picked and the England side is struggling (against) him. Ashwin and Yadav should play. I don’t think Jadeja will make the cut,” added the former Indian cricketer.

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