With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami a certainty in the playing XI, India have other fast options to choose from in Siraj, Prashant Krishna, Shardul Thakur and Umesh Yadav.
Agarkar said, “Siraj had a really good series last year when India played those four Tests (against England) and he is one of the best bowlers at the moment. So I don’t see any reason why Siraj would miss Agarkar said. An interaction organized by Sony Sports, the official broadcaster of the rescheduled Test match.
Agarkar felt that Shardul’s ability with the bat could give him an edge in making the playing XI.
Agarkar said, “At number eight, Shardul offers a bit more with the bat and becomes even more effective if the fast bowlers are likely to get help. Some swing and seam are offered.
“So, I guess they go that way. Otherwise, the tail gets too long, if you look at someone like Umesh (Yadav) or even the famous Krishna at the age of eight , so he is part of the team. But I think, Shardul might make (cut) if they go with four seamers,” added the 44-year-old, who represented India in 26 Tests.
Agarkar also backed Siraj, saying that while Siraj’s performance in the IPL was forgettable, it would not affect his chances of being a part of the Indian side.
“I don’t think Siraj bowled badly and I don’t think you need to match IPL for Test cricket in England. So, you look at his form in Test cricket over the last 12 months. Even That when India played in New Zealand at home, he (Siraj) was really good.
Agarkar reasoned, “And he can do tough work for you. When the ball is a bit old he can bowl longer spells and quicker. I would be very surprised if he (Siraj) is not the third seamer.”
The fifth and final Test is from last year’s unfinished series against England, which was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the Indian camp.
Agarkar also praised veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, who scored four centuries, including two double hundreds, for Sussex in the Division Two County Championship for his return to the Indian team. He believed that Pujara’s current form in the final Test would be beneficial for India.
Pujara, who was ruled out of India’s home Test series against Sri Lanka earlier this year, scored 720 runs in just 5 matches for Sussex at an excellent average of 120.
“It’s a good thing for the Indian team that he (Pujara) was there and playing in those conditions. Besides, he has the experience, 90-odd Tests. No doubt it has come at the right time, Because it is a one-off Test and many other Indian batsmen are not playing in these conditions, so definitely it (Pujara played county) will be an advantage,” Agarkar said.