"I will play both Shardul Thakur and Ashwin"- Aakash Chopra picks his bowling attack for the 5th Test vs England

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has made the bold decision to leave out star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja from his predicted bowling attack for the fifth Test against England at Edgbaston.

Also Read: England vs India: 5th Rescheduled Test Full Preview, Lineups, Pitch Report, And Dream11 Team Prediction

Just a couple of Tests ago, Jadeja smashed 175* and also picked up 10 wickets in the same game. However, the 44-year-old feels the No. 1-ranked Test all-rounder needs some rest. He should be replaced by veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra explained why he would play Shardul Thakur and Ashwin as the two all-rounders. He also spoke about the pace attack he would go in with and said:

"I will play both Shardul Thakur and Ashwin and ask Jadeja to rest a bit. If you are batting first then I will play the pace trio of Shami, Bumrah and Siraj. But if there are seaming conditions, I would think hard and would be tempted to play Umesh Yadav as he has the knack of picking wickets."

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel

Read Also: CAB celebrated the Birthday of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy

England was simply sensational against New Zealand as they became the first team in history to chase down three successive targets of 270+ in Tests. Their attacking brand of cricket, led by Jonny Bairstow, has got everyone excited.

However, Aakash Chopra believes that if conditions help the bowlers a bit, this approach from England might not work. He stated:

"Last year, they had a weak batting line-up. It was only Joe Root and no one else as everyone else looked like walking wickets. But this time they are playing with a completely different mindset. But I feel if you get seaming conditions and a good bowling attack in front of you, this strategy won't work. But the truth is they are winning, batting is in form and they have the attacking intent."

Aakash Chopra stated