India vs England: Wasim Jaffer Names His India XI For Edgbaston Test, Omits Fast Bowling All-Rounder

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) finally put an end to the suspense surrounding India captain Rohit Sharma's availability for the Edgbaston Test vs England. A BCCI release on Thursday stated that Rohit had returned a positive COVID-19 test on Thursday morning and as a result paceman Jasprit Bumrah was going to lead India in the match, with wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant as his deputy. Immediately after the release was sent, former India opening batter Wasim Jaffer put out a tweet with his India playing XI for the match.

My playing XI for Edgbaston:Gill Pujara Vihari Kohli Iyer Pant (WK) Jadeja Ashwin Shami Bumrah (C) SirajWhat's yours? #ENGvIND

In a surprise move, Jaffer opted for two spinners, including both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in his XI. As a result of this Jaffer selected only three pacers in captain Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj.

As a result of this medium pacer Shardul Thakur didn't find any place in his XI. Shardul has been an integral part of India's Test teams for a while, specially due to his all-round poerformances.

He has helped the team on several occasions with brave knocks with the bat down the order.

As a fourth fast bowling option, Shardul has provided key breakthroughs and played a very important role in the team's 2-1 series lead over England last year.

He is considered a sure shot starter at Edgbaston by many, but Jaffer's take is quite a surprise.

He also decided to open the innings with Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara, keeping Hanuma Vihari in the number 3 spot.

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Such a decision could only be possible if the pitch is a dry one. England's decision to play Jack Leach could be an indication that there could be purchase for spinners.

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