Reports: Ravi Ashwin likely to sit out of the fifth Test

Team India, with a heart-breaking loss in Southampton, has also lost the five-match series. But they will be definitely looking to salvage pride by putting up a spirited show in the next game. They have been jolted with a huge blow though as their lead off-spinner Ravi Ashwin has been injured and is likely to sit out of the final Test match. He was doubtful for the fourth Test as well due to his groin injury but got fit just in time. However, he was not at his best on a helpful pitch and could pick only three wickets.

According to the reports in Times Now, Ravindra Jadeja will be drafted in straight away who is waiting for his chance for a long time now. So far he was being used as the 12th man in this series and Ashwin’s injury might just pave the way for his inclusion and one would feel it is a welcome change for the team. Many were of the opinion that India should’ve played two spinners in the fourth Test where the spinners got a lot of help in the second innings.

Ashwin’s failure

A lot was expected of Ravi Ashwin but he was not completely fit by the time the second innings began which hurt India. Though he bowled close to 35 overs, England batsmen didn’t look in much trouble while facing him. On the other hand, Moeen Ali wrecked havoc in their camp by picking nine wickets eventually proving that he was the better spinner among the two.

As far as Jadeja is concerned, he hasn’t played an overseas Test this year. He was benched in South Africa as well and might just make the cut in the final Test which is a dead rubber for both the teams. But this offers a great chance for him to make a statement ahead of the Australia tour where it will be once again debated on whom to play.

The fifth and final Test match will be played at the Kennington Oval in London and it commences on September 7.

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