As we head to an intriguing finish on day 5 of the Oval, former cricketer Michael Vaughan has pointed out England’s biggest threat against India. Meanwhile, the hosts will come out with 291 still required to go 2-1 up in the series with 10 wickets intact.
Vaughan highlighted that Ravindra Jadeja targeting the rough patches will be challenging for England to handle, with six left-handed batters in their camp. Although England openers Haseeb Hameed and Rory Burns showed outstanding grit and determination in the final session of the fourth day to keep Jadeja at bay, Michael Vaughan believes the Indian all-rounder will come hard on the final day.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Michael Vaughan stated:
“Rory Burns against Jadeja, with the ball spinning out from the rough, he showed great technique, and great character. That looks like the major threat from an England perspective, Jadeja firing it into the rough.”
Ravindra Jadeja bowled 13 overs in the final session of Day 4, but failed to make any inroads despite targeting the rough patch.
India should start with their spinner: Michael Vaughan
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Speaking further, Michael Vaughan backed Ravindra Jadeja to start the proceedings for India on day 5 despite being wicketless on day 4. The former England captain feels India need to think out of the box to win the Oval Test.
“I think Virat needs to keep it simple for the first half an hour. I’d go with Jadeja, without any question you start with your spinner. Try to fire it into the rough outside Burns’ off stump. If it doesn’t work for them, they have to realise that it is like a subcontinent style pitch and think outside the box. I’m looking for someone like Bumrah to bowl the slower balls. Those kind of deliveries will be very important,” Vaughan concluded.