India’s top bowler for more than five years Ravichandran Ashwin haven’t made to the playing XI till now but bowling coach Bharat Arun hinted that both Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin could take up the field in the fourth Test match if the wicket plays normal in the morning before the toss.
Ravindra Jadeja was seen in hospital for scans after the third Test match and there were speculations since then that Jadeja might not play the next Test but Arun made it clear that there’s nothing to worry as the all-rounder just went for a normal scans.
It was just a very, very normal precautionary scan that he went through. All he had to do was to wear the hospital dress and he took a picture of that and that created a big scam. There is nothing to it and Jadeja is absolutely fit,” said Arun to the media on the eve of the fourth Test which begins at The Oval on Thursday.
Arun did not rule out the possibility of playing both Ashwin and Jadeja. He said that the team management will look at the pitch before deciding on it.
“It depends on the conditions. Depends on so many other things, the wicket, the conditions and all these things. Ashwin, no doubt, is one of the best bowlers we have. But it is unfortunate he has not played so far. But if there is an opportunity and if we feel that he is going to fit into the scheme of things, they definitely would both be bowling in tandem,” added Arun.
“History at [The] Oval says it will take spin but you also know how the Englishmen are wary of Ashwin’s abilities and what he could do if there is any little assistance from the track. I think the most realistic option would be too look at the track tomorrow morning. Because anything can happen from now to tomorrow. We will look at the track from now to tomorrow morning and decide,” said Arun.
The third Test match between England and India will be played at Kennington Oval, London from September 2 to 6.