Nick Compton targets Virat Kohli for not picking R Ashwin in Oval

Former England cricketer Nick Compton once again slammed Virat Kohli for keeping out R Ashwin in the ongoing fourth Test between England and India. The veteran spinner was not included in the side despite Ravindra Jadeja’s ordinary display in the previous matches.

Indian bowlers were on target in the first innings of the match. While Umesh Yadav took three wickets, Jasprit Bumrah also bowled exceptionally well.

Compton feels the visitors will struggle on the final day of the Oval Test. He stated that except Bumrah other bowlers will find it difficult to dismiss England batsmen.

“Can’t see this being anything other than a draw! India’s bowling apart from Bumrah will struggle. If only Ashwin was playing… oh Kohli it’s good to have independent thinkers in your team,” Compton wrote in a tweet.

Can’t see this being anything other than a draw! India’s bowling apart from Bumrah will struggle. If only Ashwin was playing… oh Kohli it’s good to have independent thinkers in your team

— Nick Compton (@thecompdog) September 5, 2021

Earlier, Compton had alleged Kohli’s personal issues with Ashwin were the reason behind the spinner’s absence from the Playing XI.

“Please can someone explain how Kohli obvious personal issues with Ashwin are allowed to cloud an obvious selection issue?” – Compton had said in a tweet. India posted 466 runs on the board in their second innings and England were 77/0 at the end of the fourth day’s play. The hosts need 291 runs to win the Test match on Day 5.