Steve Harmison backs India to play with four fast bowlers in Oval Test against England

Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison believes India must play with four fast bowlers in the fifth Test match against England. The home team has already picked four seamers in their attack – Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue, and Chris Woakes.

With Jasprit Bumrah set to be rested for the fifth Test, Harmison wants India to play Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna. The former lanky English pacer said he was surprised that Krishna didn’t play at Old Trafford.

Krishna has scalped six wickets in the first two Test matches at an average of 55.17 against England in the ongoing series, and thus he was dropped from the last two games.

Meanwhile, the Oval pitch is expected to be green and ergo the fast bowlers will come in handy.

Steve Harmison said on ESPN Cricinfo, “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.”

Harmison said the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar would need to play as both of them scored fine centuries at Old Trafford in the second innings.

“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.

“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.”

The fifth and final Test match between England and India will be played at the Kennington Oval, London, from 31st July onwards.