Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison feels India should field four seamers along with spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in the fifth and final Test at the Oval, which begins today (July 31). With Jasprit Bumrah likely ruled out, Harmison named Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj as his preferred pace quartet for India.
Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh were both recovering from injuries ahead of the fourth Test, prompting India to include Anshul Kamboj in the squad. Kamboj made his debut in Manchester but had a forgettable outing, taking just one wicket for 89 runs in 18 overs. Prasidh Krishna featured in the first two Tests, claiming six wickets but conceding runs at an average exceeding 55.
Akash Deep had a standout performance in the second Test at Edgbaston with a 10-wicket haul, but a groin injury in the third Test ruled him out of the next match. Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo on the eve of the Oval Test, Harmison shared his views on India’s bowling combination.
“I can’t believe he didn’t play in the last game, Prasidh Krishna. So, he will be one that will be definitely in. From India’s point of view, the man that will play all five will be the man who seems to have so much energy, which is ridiculous, Mohammed Siraj. Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep, they will be the four I would probably go in with.”
“You Must Play Both Spinners” – Steve Harmison On India’s Bowling Choices
Steve Harmison supported India’s decision to retain spinners Jadeja and Sundar, citing their match-saving 203-run stand and centuries in Manchester, along with their combined six wickets.
“Your two spin bowlers have to play, regardless, because they are both getting hundreds with the bat. India have to identify what’s the best for that surface and because Bumrah won’t play, Akash Deep, if he is fit, to utilize the green grass and a swing bowler in Arshdeep Singh and then Krishna and Siraj,” said Harmison (via the aforementioned source).
He further added:
“They would be my four out-and-out seam bowlers to go and win the Test match and draw the series, which would be a very good result for India.”
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