Test matches pose a different challenge to the teams as compared to ODIs and T20Is. The teams have to consider the pitch and conditions more in Test matches than in other formats because the Tests last for five days, and even if there is a small error in team selection, it results in a big difference eventually.
In the ongoing ICC World Test Championship Final match between India and Australia at The Oval in London, the Indian team left Ravichandran Ashwin out of their playing XI. Ashwin was the leading wicket-taker for the Indian team in the group stage of the World Test Championship, with 61 wickets in just 13 matches. Still, India dropped him because the conditions in England favor the pacers more.
While Ravichandran Ashwin has been dropped from the team whenever the team goes overseas, here’s a list of two Indian players who have played a majority of their Test matches outside India and warmed the benches when in India.
1. Shardul Thakur has done well in Test matches outside India
All-rounder Shardul Thakur has stepped up and delivered the goods for the team in both departments whenever the Indian team plays Test cricket outside India. Thakur has smashed three consecutive half-centuries at The Oval. He is the first Indian to record first five scores of 50 or more playing in SENA nations only.
Besides, Thakur has the knack of breaking partnerships in the middle. The medium pacer often chips in with crucial wickets for his team.
2. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is another fast bowler to feature on this list. The right-arm pacer is an injury-prone player, but his services are of utmost use when playing in SENA nations. Bumrah is rested whenever the Indian team plays matches on home soil. In his absence, the likes of Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj form the pace attack.
