Jadeja cements case for selection

There had been some question marks over whether Ravindra Jadeja or Ravichandran Ashwin would get the nod for the Test. But Jadeja took three wickets in just eight overs with the ball and scored an unbeaten half-century in the final innings of the match to restate his case as India’s premier all-rounder. India can, of course, field both with Jadeja more than capable of occupying a top-seven or even top-six slot, though this was an option they opted against during the first four Tests of the series last summer.

Back-up Bharat impresses with the bat

Reserve wicketkeeper Srikar Bharat impressed with the bat as he followed up his unbeaten 70 in the first innings with 43 in the second. Bharat is known to be an excellent gloveman and is on the tour as Pant’s deputy. But, if Rohit Sharma is to miss the Test due to having Covid, Bharat may well be in line to open the batting against England after he opened in the second innings here against Leicestershire.

Kohli in the runs

Kohli’s barren run without an international century is well-documented, however India will be pleased that the former skipper registered 67 in the final innings of the match that included a fiery battle with Jasprit Bumrah. Kohli had scored 33 in the first innings before falling lbw to Roman Walker.

Shami the standout seamer

Shami was impressive, taking three-for in the first innings which included the prize wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara. Shami is likely to be joined by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and one other of Shardul Thakur or Umesh Yadav if India opt for a four-man seam attack at Old Trafford. Prasidh Krishna, who is yet to make his Test debut but has a first-class average of 17, took just one wicket in the match and had an economy of almost five an over.

Ashwin gets an important run out

Ashwin landed in the UK later than his teammates having tested positive for Covid in the lead up to the trip. He arrived in Leicester the day before the warm-up game started but didn’t feature until its final day, claiming the wickets of Shubman Gill and Sam Evans. There is a good chance that Ashwin will get the chance to show what he can do after missing out on the majority of India’s Test action in England last year.