IND vs ENG: Harbhajan Singh suggests unique way to include Ashwin in India playing XI vs England

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IND vs ENG: Harbhajan Singh wants India to play Ravichandran Ashwin in their upcoming match against England at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday. The former India off-spinner has also suggested a unique way to accommodate Ashwin in the eleven against the defending champions.

Ashwin, who was included in the India World Cup 2023 squad just a week before the start of the mega event, has played one out of India's five matches till date. He played in India's opener against Australia and picked one wicket for 34 runs after bowling 10 overs.

Since the match, India have played with just two spinners. However, if conditions permit, India could opt to play with three spinners against England. The defending champions are struggling in the tournament and their struggle against quality spin is known to all.

Harbhajan Singh has suggested that India should rest Mohammed Siraj and bring in Ashwin in his place to make life miserable for England. However, he added that India could field the eleven which played against New Zealand if a normal pitch is one offer.

“Kuldeep Yadav’s form has been good, but I wonder if we will get to see three spinners play in the next game - Kuldeep, [Ravindra] Jadeja and Ashwin. It could be a possibility since England do not play spin well," Harbhajan opined on his official YouTube channel.

"As it is, England are not playing well in the World Cup, and if the ball starts spinning, I don’t think they will be able to do much better. Playing three spinners might not be a bad option."

“Siraj can be rested. He has played back-to-back games. Shami has just come into the playing XI and has claimed a five-fer," he added.

“If a pitch is a normal one and is not expected to offer a lot of turn, then I do not see too many changes in the team. The team that played against New Zealand might be retained. However, India is playing England, so they might want a slow pitch,” he further elaborated.

IND vs ENG: Hardik Pandya to miss England match

Reports have suggested that all-rounder Hardik Pandya will sit out in the match against England and Sri Lanka and could return to feature in India's second-last league stage match against South Africa on November 5 in Kolkata.

His absence triggered two changes against New Zealand. Mohammed Shami came in place of Shardul Thakur and Suryakumar Yadav was also included to give strength to the batting unit.