India vs England 4th Test is underway and even though India lead 2-1 in the series, it will be extremely important for India to not lose the Test match as that would mean an exit from the World Test Championship (WTC). Ex-Indian cricketer and the former captain of West Bengal, Manoj Tiwary opened up about his thoughts on India’s team-selection. He feels, when the pitch is offering so much to the spinners, India must play only one specialist fast-bowler and included Hardik Pandya in place of the second fast-bowler. Even though that is Tiwary’s opinion, he reiterated that Mohammed Siraj would be included in the team ahead of pacer Umesh Yadav.
He was talking in an online show for Cricbuzz.com.
Siraj was the leading wicket-taker for India in the Test series against Australia with 13 wickets. His form in the recent past has been good, thus he has a bright chance of getting back in the eleven as Jasprit Bumrah has taken a leave from the remaining series against England.
Tiwary also emphasized on the fact that India could be out of the WTC if they happen to lose the fourth Test paving the way for Australia to play against New Zealand in the WTC final in June 2021. He said, “If we lose the 4th Test, then we won’t be able to qualify for the World Test Championship, thus it’s important for India to win the game.”
Talking about Pandya, Manoj Tiwary said, “We don’t need an extra fast bowler on such type of pitch. Rather, I feel an extra batsman would be more feasible,” said Tiwary, “Would want to see Hardik Pandya in the team as the surface will be turning wicket so there’s no risk in playing one specialist fast bowler and an all-rounder in the form of Pandya. But I feel Siraj will be picked,” he added.
We will have to wait till 9 am on 4 March 2021 when the toss would take place for the India vs England 4th Test.