India Vs England 4th Test Preview, Pitch Report, Predicted XI
Everything has come down to the 4th and final test match of the series. Though India leads 2-1 in the series but their WTC hopes can be shattered by England in this game. No doubt India was able to showcase their dominance at home in the last 2 matches. But England with nothing to lose will be a different side altogether.
In form Rohit, dominant bowling attack to India’s advantage
Rohit Sharma is the man to watch out for England. The mumbaikar is in his prime and wouldn’t stop for anyone. Averaging 81.05 in home tests, his knocks of 161 and 66 proved to be the difference between both teams in the last 2 matches. Where every other batsman struggled, he managed to apply himself and scored almost 50% of the team’s total in both the matches. With Kohli looking out of touch, the increased responsibilities on Rohit might have helped him to thrive in these situations. India would be hoping for another Hitman masterclass in the 4th match. The bowlers too have caused havoc in the English changing room. Ashwin and Axar would definitely cause trouble on the Motera pitch once again. Though the fast bowlers couldn’t contribute much, the quality of Bumrah and Ishant would be required if they provide a seaming track.
Spinners and batsmen of England need to raise the bar
England blundered by playing just one spinner in the last game on a rank turner. A good team selection would be expected this time. The spinners too have to work hard even on a turning track. Leach and Bess must bowl on a consistent line and length like their counterparts Ashwin and Axar. No one knows what the Motera pitch will offer in the 4th test but the think tank has to read it well before announcing the squad. Clearly England batsmen haven’t yet adapted to the conditions considering their struggle. But they have to find a way to tackle Indian bowlers and also score a lot of runs to level the series.
Bairstow not firing is a concern as you expect senior players to raise their hand in tough situations. A balanced competition between bat and ball is expected is the final test. For that, England players need to show their best against a confident Indian team.
India needs at least a draw to meet NZ in Lord’s but under Kohli, they wouldn’t settle for anything less than a win. England on the other hand can prove to be an upset for India if they manage to win this game.
India vs England 4th Test Preview, Predicted XI
India – Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (WK), Axar Patel, Ravi Ashiwn, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma .
England – Zak Crawley, D Sibley, Bairstow, Joe Root (C), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Ben Foakes (WK), Dom Bess, Jofra Archer, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad .
Where to watch
This match will start on 4th March, 2021, 9:30 AM (IST) at Shri Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. You can watch the live coverage on Star Sports Network and Hotstar.
Read Also : India win by 10 wickets against England in pink ball test.
