IND vs ENG- Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep In Line To Play 5th Test: Report

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IND vs ENG: India are expected to shake up their bowling combination for the decisive fifth Test against England, with Kuldeep Yadav and Akash Deep emerging as likely inclusions in the playing XI.

The final Test at The Oval carries immense significance, with England leading the series 2-1 and India needing a win to draw level and retain the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy.

As per a report by Cricblogger, the team management have indicated that left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is being considered to bolster India's spin attack. His selection would come at the expense of Shardul Thakur, who has struggled to make a mark both with the ball and in terms of captain Shubman Gill's usage.

With the pitch at The Oval expected to aid turn in the latter stages of the match, Kuldeep's variations and guile could play a critical role in India's push for a series-levelling victory.

In a bid to manage player workloads, Jasprit Bumrah, who has shouldered a heavy bowling burden throughout the series, may be rested for the final encounter. The decision is said to be precautionary, with an eye on upcoming international assignments.

Akash Deep, the Bengal pacer, is in contention to replace Bumrah, having recovered well from a minor niggle sustained recently. Team sources suggest he is likely to be match-ready in time for the fifth Test.

The Indian team's resilience was on full display during the fourth Test at Old Trafford, where they remarkably forced a draw. Trailing by 311 runs, India were in deep trouble at 0/2 before Shubman Gill produced a stunning century - his fourth of the series - and stitched a mammoth partnership with KL Rahul, who made 90.

Later, centuries from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar ensured that India batted out more than five sessions to escape defeat, even declining England's draw offer to achieve personal milestones.

Ben Stokes was named Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance, scoring 141 and claiming six wickets. With momentum slightly in their favor after the fourth Test stand-off, India will aim to regroup and go all out at The Oval, potentially with two fresh faces in their ranks.