Parthiv Patel picks India’s X-factor, backs visitors to win Oval Test against England

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Parthiv Patel has said either Ravindra Jadeja or Washington Sundar will be the X-factor for the visitors against England at the Oval. Patel backed Shubman Gill’s team to win the fifth and final Test and draw the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar series. The former Gujarat captain also picked Shubman Gill to be the player to watch out for. 

Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar scored 107 and 101 runs respectively in the Old Trafford Test and played a key role in helping India draw the fourth game. Furthermore, Shubman Gill has been in dream form in the series as he has amassed 722 runs in four Test matches against England at a staggering average of 90.25.

Patel believes Jadeja and Sundar can get the ball to drift at the Oval and the spin duo will hold the key.

“I think the player to watch out for is Shuman Gill because of the way he is performing and especially in the fourth Test, how he applied himself. I think either of Washington Sundar or Ravindra Jadeja will be the X-factor. There is that drift and bounce at The Oval, if a spinner does well you can aim for a win. My prediction for the match is India will make it 2-2,” Parthiv Patel said on Star Sports. 

Patel wants Jasprit Bumrah to play the deciding Test match against England. But it has been reported that Bumrah will not play the fifth Test to manage his workload.

“Unfortunately, Jasprit Bumrah’s body, we have to see how is recovery happens or does not happen. There are many questions. But if the situation is like this, I would definitely want him to play. Hopefully, the support staff works hard on him and makes him fit.”

Patel said India needs an attacking spinner like Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI.

“I think the bowling can be better. I am also telling this from the second Test, given the conditions here, India have to somehow find that way of bringing Kuldeep Yadav in. Your batting is in form. If you have to win you need 20 wickets. With questions on Bumrah’s availability, you need an attacking spinner. Washington and Jadeja can contain but you need an attacking spinner. You have that wrist-spinner. They should think of Kuldeep in place of Shardul,” he reflected. 

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