I'd say Rahul plays. And that it comes down to robit or dhawan
Seems harsh to leave out mishra.
As an England fan, what is the make up of the bowling attack you expect for that series. I presume 3 spinners at home and jadega batting 7
Rahul is a keeper right, why can't he keep and you drop saha. Who from what ove seen is pretty useless
I think Shikhar Dhawan is strictly an opener and those slots are taken. If it comes to the middle order, 3,4 and 5 are taken. KL Rahul is a part time wicket keeper and was below par in the recently concluded IPL which is the shortest format and even there he made one error an innings on average. I don't remember the opposition, but one of his errors cost RCB the game. So, Saha will play. India's four bowlers are near certain. That only leaves the No.6 slot. India might opt for a batting all rounder in Binny, though I personally feel he's alright for an IPL team, not the national side with either bat or ball. Certainly not test match quality. That leaves Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan and I will firmly play Rohit Sharma. I think his test record is poor, but if it's between them I'll pick Rohit any day of the week in the middle order. What's more a poor WI attack and slow placid wickets make Rohit Sharma twice the batsman he is. In the right circumstances, he can tear the bowling apart and win the test match in a session.
For the England series? It's a pity England don't have quality spinners. I think their batting and depth is envious, but India as you rightly pointed out will probably play three spinners (Ashwin, Jadeja and Mishra) and play two quicks. It's a long way to go before that series though and lots may happen yet. From an English point of view, and as an ardent fan of their cricket, I'm very intrigued to see Barstow behind the stumps and how Joe Root goes with his batting. I think Jos Buttler just has to be there. Personally, I wouldn't pick Gary Ballance in my local division side, but England seem to be in love with him. As an India supporter, I think our three spinners will be licking their chops seeing his name on the team sheet. I'll be aghast if he makes a half century against us.
Vijay
