Ace Team India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will be available for selection for the fourth Test against England, starting on September 2 (Thursday) at the Kennington Oval in London. Incidentally, Jadeja visited a hospital in Leeds soon after the third Test which raised concerns about his fitness.
Jadeja copped a blow on the first day of the 3rd Test and left the field after the 32nd over of England’s innings as he attempted to stop a ball while fielding at the point but the ball escaped his way and he fell on his right knee. A few minutes later he was seen walking off while holding his right leg.
Ravindra Jadeja is completely fit, confirms bowling coach Bharat Arun #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/QU4Ygxd5Lp
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) September 1, 2021
However, he came out to bat and put a valiant effort but by then the match was already in England’s grip. However, doubts cropped in when Ravindra Jadeja posted a picture of himself from a Leeds hospital. But the all-rounder has recovered fully and will be available for selection in the fourth Test confirmed, India’s bowling coach Bharat Arun.
“It was precautionary tests. He was just made to wear the hospital suit for the scans and he posted a photo. He is absolutely fine,” Bharat Arun said during a virtual press conference ahead of the fourth Test.
Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja’s availability will put the management in a selection dilemma with Ravichandran Ashwin all set to return to the playing XI.
Zaheer Khan backs India to play Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja at Kennington Oval
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Turn pic.twitter.com/JsjbeVzaGq— Himanish Ganjoo (@hganjoo_153) August 30, 2021
Former India pacer Zaheer Khan has advised India to bring back veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing XI. He believes both Ravindra Jadeja and Ashwin should be included in the team, as spin could play a major role in the penultimate game at the Kennington Oval.
“India should play with the combination of 3 pacers and 2 Spinners, depending on Jadeja’s fitness” He further said that Ashwin could replace Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj could make way for Shardul Thakur, as Thakur could provide extra cushion in the batting lineup,” Zaheer Khan
“India should approach the game in the way they approached in the WTC final – going with Jadeja and Ashwin both because they are among the best five bowlers,” he added.