India batting legend VVS Laxman feels that captain Virat Kohli must not take the foot off the pedal and go with the strongest possible Indian team in the fifth and final Test against England in Old Trafford.
India enjoys an unbeatable 2-1 lead over England thanks to their amazing 157-run win in the 4th Test at the Oval and will now look to bring the coveted Pataudi Trophy home by winning the series by either winning the Manchester Test or drawing it.
At a recent press conference, Kohli had said India will look to rotate the bowlers to avoid burnouts. Ishant Sharma and Mohammad Shami did not feature in The Oval Test. But Laxman opined that although Jasprit Bumrah has bowled a lot in the series, it would be unwise to give him a breather.
“Team India has to play Jasprit Bumrah in the last Test. Yes, you have won the Test match and you can’t lose the Test series from hereon. But I think Team India’s dream is to beat England in England. I will play the strongest bowling lineup. And, if Mohammad Shami is fit, he would come back into the playing XI. Team India must go with the strongest team and in-form players in the last Test match,” Laxman said speaking to ESPNCricinfo.
“You don’t want to give any chance for England to come back and level the series,” he added.
Laxman also revealed his preferred India XI which included R Ashwin in place of Ravindra Jadeja and Hanuma Vihari replacing Ajinkya Rahane.
“I would still stick with Shardul Thakur and, if the conditions are not going to be spinner friendly in Manchester, then I would give a break to Ravindra Jadeja and bring in Ravichandran Ashwin. Thakur gives balance with his medium pace, he can bat as well and he would be high on confidence. I’ll get in Hanuma Vihari to play in place of Ajinkya Rahane,” Laxman said.
The two teams will clash in the fifth Test at Manchester from September 10.
