(Info4now: August 31, 2021)- Whether it was surprising or not to witness such an inverted result at Headingley is never an issue in cricket. It happens and happens in a frequent way. This turning of the table is very common in the history of cricket and in recent times there is no change at all. England find balance with the inclusion of Dawid Malan and Craig Overton in the playing XI and square it. On the other hand, India back their off-form performers. But it was Jimmy Anderson who mustn’t take a rest in England vs India 4th Test sets the tone of the game in his first and only one first innings spell.
As both the teams heading into India vs England 4th Test at Oval, history can never be skipped. Smith and Warner back to the side after one year ban were in mixed touches. They played well. Still English condition tested them. The fifth contest of The Ashes at the Oval ended in four days. Two great spinners Nathan Lyon and Jack Leech dominated the game alongside some great swing bowlings of both the sides. Australia retain the Ashes as the series ended in 2-2.
Preview: England vs India 4th Test, The Oval
What India will never mind is the opening. No doubt, there is enough inconsistency. But rhythmic change will effect the balance. With all his experience Rohit Sharma looks unchallenged against other Indian batsmen. It’s tough to withdraw Cheteshwar Pujara immediately and Captain Kohli will be looking for a good score. Now Rahane. Hanuma Vihari will probably replace Ajinkya Rahane. He is out of the playing XI for an unknown reason. As this team has no Tendulkar and Sehwag to round arms for sometime, it badly needs a Hanuma Vihari. Mayank Agarwal or Suryakumar Yadav may be introduced in place of Ishant Sharma. So India can go with one more batsman.
In the last match preview at Headingley we expected Ashwin and his absence in the last game just surprised me. It’s the Oval and can they keep off a champion this time? It’s the easiest question to answer for a simple cricket lover. Shami and Bumrah will make the playing XI and I don’t know whether India will go for Umesh Yadav in place of Siraj.
England might be happy with the opening pair and more happy as Malan justifies his spot at No.3. Joe Root has to score big again as the middle order collapse still continues. Johnny Bairstow, a veteran champion behind the wicket, will take the gloves and probably bat a little down the order. He should be moved down to six. In the middle Ollie Pope will replace a child expecting Buttler. It’s time for Sam Curran to make way for Chris Woakes at No.8.
Anderson bowled only eight overs in the 1st innings and a little more in the second of the last test. He has enough time to keep quiet before the Ashes starts in December. So to continue the rhythm, both Anderson and Robinson should be in the side. If England necessitate to bring some pace in the attack, they may go for Mark Wood.
To Conclude
The Oval is a fantastic ground for a test match. It’s a fine wicket to bat on. Even when most of the batsmen of both the sides are vulnerable against the swing, a little bit of spin here can also amaze you.
My XXII of England vs India 4th Test
India: Rohit Sharma, K. L. Rahul, Cheteswar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Ravichandran Ashwin, Md. Shami, Md. Siraj/Umesh Yadav and Bumrah
England: Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, David Malan, Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Johnny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Robinson, Craig Overton/ Mark Wood and James Anderson