Virat Kohli surprised many when he announced the Team India playing XI during the toss in the first Test against England being played at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Wednesday, August 4.
The most surprising exclusions from Team India’s XI were spinner R Ashwin and pacer Ishant Sharma.
Ravindra Jadeja made the cut as the sole spinner in the XI, while Kohli went with a four-man pace attack comprising of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur for the first Test against England at Trent Bridge.
The unexpected exclusion of Ashwin – who has shown his form in the country cricket recently – left former England captain and commentator Michael Vaughan surprised at India’s call.
Not only Vaughan, but Ashwin’s omission has stunned many former cricketers and fans, as he is India’s highest wicket-taker against England among active players with 88 wickets in 19 Tests at an average and strike rate of 28.59 and 61.8 respectively including six five-wicket hauls.
However, the former England skipper seemed a bit elated with India’s decision, as England’s young batters would not have to face Ashwin in the series opener in Nottingham.
Vaughan wrote on Twitter: “Wow … No @ashwinravi99 !!!! #ENGvIND”
Here’s India’s Playing XI vs England:
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah
