Brave India & Plucky England
Despite a brave performance, and one that was particularly dominating, India find themselves trailing 1-2 in the series. England has played some remarkable cricket in critical periods to outsmart India and thus is ahead.
Must-Win Game For India At Old Trafford
The 4th Test, a must-win game for India, begins tomorrow at Old Trafford, Manchester. The stakes are high with the series on the line, but the Indian camp, unfortunately, has run into some turbulence with the fitness of a few key players.
A Spate of Injuries For India
Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Rishabh Pant and Nitish Reddy, reports suggest, may be sidelined for the 4th test, prompting BCCI to dispatch Anshul Kamboj in a hurry to join the squad as a cover for Akash Deep and Arshdeep. With the participation of Jasprit Bumrah also questionable, the Indian think tank has been left with a lot to ponder.
Anshul Kamboj May Be The Surprise Package
With Siraj having already bowled 109 overs in the series so far, he surely needs support at the other end. Bumrah too needs to play as a loss here would end the series for India. I see a place for Anshul Kamboj. He was with the India A squad and bowled well in the given English conditions. He might just pip Prasidh Krishna to the playing XI. With fresh legs, Anshul might just be the surprise package India so desperately needs at this juncture.
Kuldeep Might Play His First Game
Kuldeep Yadav could well be in the fray if Nitish Reddy is unable to take the field. India’s best spinner may be a handful for the English batters to handle. The batting may be compromised a bit, but the bowling attack would be truly formidable. Dhruv Jurel, who has been terrific behind the stumps in the absence of Pant, is certain to play his first match of the tour.
Questions on Karun Nair
Karun Nair playing in the 4th test would be a tough selection. With not much success on the tour so far, Sai Sudharsan might get another chance. Washington Sundar, with his sensational performance with the ball at Lord’s, is certain to hold his place in the playing XI.
My XI for India:-
Yashaswi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair/ Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c) , Dhruv Jurel(wk) , Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah/ Prasidh Krishna, Mohd Siraj, Anshul Kamboj.
England Announce Squad- Liam Dawson the only Change
England, on the other hand, has announced their playing XI with only a solitary change. Liam Dawson has replaced the injured Shoaib Bashir. Dawson would be returning to the England squad after 8 years. England resisted the temptation of playing young Jacob Bethell in place of Ollie Pope and went ahead with one change only.
England Playing XI:-
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c) , Jamie Smith(wk) , Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson.
Another Cracker On The Cards
It is going to be another cracker of a game at Old Trafford. The series so far has been a real humdinger, and Manchester is going to be no different.
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