Team India can absolutely change their playing XI before the toss: Harsha Bhogle

Will Team India make any changes to their announced playing XI? This has been a burning question in the cricket world after Day 1 of the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship final was washed out entirely. Even the toss couldn’t take place at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton due to the persistent rain at the venue. Hence, both India and New Zealand might make some modifications in their initial plans with an entire day’s play being called off.

For the unversed, Team India had announced their playing XI a day before the summit clash. Despite the overcast conditions, the team management named two spinners in their line-up in Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. However, spin bowlers haven’t been very effective in typical English conditions. Hence, many experts and fans believe that the Indian team management might contemplate their decision and make some changes.

The toss is not done yet: Harsha Bhogle

Speaking of the same, veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle said that India can ‘absolutely’ make the chances if they wish to. “Absolutely (on being asked if India can make any changes). The toss is not done yet. Until the time toss doesn’t take place, a team is allowed to change their combinations,” Bhogle said while featuring in a video for Cricbuzz.

“This team has been announced in media, but changes can still be made. If the team management feels there’s no dryness in the surface, if they think seven batsmen should play or even if they want to field four fast bowlers, they can absolutely make the changes,” he added.

Having said that, Bhogle backed Team India’s initial decision of naming both Ashwin and Jadeja in the line-up. The veteran commentator believes that both spinners can get some purchase with the dampness. Hence, it would be interesting to see if the management persists with their initial plans or tinker with their combination.

Meanwhile, the weather of Day 2 is expected to be better, and fans can witness a significant amount of action. With the conditions being overcast and the track expected to offer assistance to fast bowlers, the toss-winning captain would be tempted to bowl first. Hence, top-order batsmen of both camps have a job in hand.