The off-spinner has not played a part in three Tests so far and could make it into the Indian team for the fourth Test at the Oval.
Ashwin had partook in a County Championship game for Surrey at the Oval ahead of the ongoing Test series. While he endured a bleak outing in the first innings, he returned strong in the second innings to claim six wickets.
So far, India has deployed a strategy of playing four seamers, and Ravindra Jadeja’s recent batting prowess and lack of turn on pitches has left Ashwin with only a place in the pavilion.
Root lavished praise on Ashwin and termed him a ‘world class’ player. But at the same time asserted that England would be well prepared to face him. Speaking at a virtual press conference ahead of the fourth Test, Root said:
We just have to keep applying pressure as a bowling group: Joe Root on plans for potential new-comers
After India’s tame defeat at Leeds, changes could be in the offing, especially in the batting unit, which has struggled as of late.
With batters such as Prithvi Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav and Hanuma Vihari waiting on the sidelines, India could be prompted to shuffle the batting order or even add more personnel to strengthen it.
When asked about how the England side will counter the new players if they make it into the playing XI, Root noted that they will continue to apply pressure and never allow them to settle. Root added:
India will take on England in the fourth Test of the ongoing five-match Test series at The Oval, starting on September 2. The series is currently tied 1-1.
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