• Home
  • Cricket News
  • England Tempt India To Play 3 Pacers As Green Top Unveiled For Oval Test

England Tempt India To Play 3 Pacers As Green Top Unveiled For Oval Test

Anurag Dasgupta

India to play three pacers? [Source: @CricSubhayan/x.com] India to play three pacers? [Source: @CricSubhayan/x.com]

48 hours are left in the final Test match of the series between India and England, and the excitement is at its peak, with the hosts leading the series, 2-1, and India eyeing a win to end the tour on a high. The finale will be played at the iconic Oval Stadium, and everyone wants to know about the type of surface that the curator will dish out.

First look revealed of The Oval Pitch: Is it batting or bowling friendly?

With just two days left for the Test match, the first look of the pitch has been revealed, and this is not a good sign for Team India. In the visuals, the Oval surface looks to have enough grass for the seamers to get excited. It looks like a green top, and the pacers will be happy to see something for them on this tour.

The image was shared by RevSportz Correspondent, Subhayan Chakraborty. However, there is an interesting thing to note down. Throughout the series, the final wicket has always been a batting paradise, with nothing for the bowlers. Expect the same trend to continue, as the grass is likely to be trimmed before the contest begins. This would eventually change the equation for both sides.

If the grass is not trimmed, expect the two sides to go in with a pace-heavy bowling unit. However, judging by past experience, the surface will assist the batters, and the team combination will be settled accordingly.

What should be India's bowling combination for 5th Test?

Reports have added that Kuldeep Yadav is in the scheme of things for the final Test match. The Oval surface has the tendency to help the spinners on Day 4, and 5, and Kuldeep, who has an excellent record against England, could come in handy. Hence, India could go in with three spinners.

Also, Akash Deep, who missed the last Test due to a groin injury, could be back in the playing XI, if Jasprit Bumrah misses out.