Vihari, Jadeja make it to playing XI

“One change is forced. Ashwin is out, Jadeja replaces him. Hardik Pandya has been left out and Hanuma Vihari comes in place of him. Vihari is an exciting prospect. He averages close to 60 in first-class cricket. He has worked his way up. It has been tough for the openers in the series. And you got respect that,” said India captain Virat Kohli.

Asked about losing the toss for the fifth time in a row, Kohli said, “I think I need heads on both sides. That is the only way I would win the toss. It looks a good wicket but there is grass on the pitch and first session will be tough.”

On the subject of Indian openers faring badly throughout the series, Kohli said the duo of Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul looked good in the middle but that didn’t translate into a good partnership. “Openers have worked hard, they have looked well too. It is just about extending the partnership.”

The 29-year-old reserved high words of praise for Alastair Cook, who will retire from cricket after the Oval Test. “We have seen too much of Cook at times. Cook has been a great great player. To get 12,000 runs as an opener in these conditions and all over the world is outstanding. He will go down as one of the greatest openers in Test cricket.”

His counterpart Joe Root said his team will ensure that there is no let-up in intensity despite winning the series. “We have played good cricket throughout the Test series. It has been a good series for us and we will like to finish on a high. It has been difficult to read the pitch this summer. It looks a bit dry. We are playing two spinners so bowling second will play to our advantage. We will try to make as many runs in the first innings. With the sun out, it should be good for batting in the afternoon. I will bat at four and I will try to get the best out of myself. Moeen Ali has been in excellent form batting for his county team at the number three spot. Hopefully, he can do the same for England. Jonny has been flawless in the last 18 months. His challenge will be to continue the hard work.”