India and England will fight out in Oval for the fourth Test of the series. The Series is now leveled at 1-1 and both teams would try to take a vital lead in the series.
Match Timings: Sep 02, 3:30 PM IST
Match Preview
India and England reached Oval for the fourth Test. India were thrashed by England in Leeds and the series is now leveled. India have so many questions to answer before the fourth Test. India were bowled out on just 78 in the first innings on a batting track and this one poor batting display make them out of the competition. India fought hard when they were two down on 215 in 2nd innings but in just 54 minutes of the game, they surrendered. India needs to find the best combination. Their middle-order is struggling since the WTC final.
Big names are disappointing. Kohli got a half-century in the last game but he failed to make it big. His wait for an international hundred continues. Pujara showed some good intent in 2nd innings with 91 but one or two good knocks cannot save him. Rahane has been disappointing so far and he has just one half-century since his MCG hundred in December 2020. Pant is also not delivering and his last good knock came in Chennai. Bowling has been outstanding compared to batting. Ashwin will be back in the side for the final two Tests and he will replace Ishant who looked tired in the last game. They also have an option of Shardul who is fit to play. India might take a chance on Rahane but management will show some faith on him. It might be the last Test for Rahane to prove his value in middle-order. Kohli would also look to end his century drought in Oval.
Meanwhile, England were clueless after the first two Tests but now they have gained the confidence. Their bowling brilliance delivered them a comeback and his positive approach might give them an advantage. England tried new opening pair and they put a century stand. Burns and Haseeb both will start the innings. Dawid Malan also looked great in middle-order. Root is already in his prime form after scoring three hundred in this series. Moeen Ali had decent outings in the last two games and he would be crucial if we see little bit of spin in this game. Chris Woakes is fit and he is ready to play in Oval. It will boost England’s bowling attack. Buttler’s inclusion is in doubt but he might play this game. He was supposed to take a family break in September.
We are in the fourth Test of the series and all things depend on the team’s approach. England were down in the series and they bounced back hard. India can do the same in the fourth Test and they had done in past. The Indian side does better in a crunch situation. Team India has to avoid one-session horror and play collectively. If they lose, they will have the pressure to save the series. Victory can give them a chance to enter in the final day with a lead and at least, they will avoid a series loss in England after 14 years.
Pitch Report
Oval’s track is good for batting but this track offers some good help to pacers. Morning sessions will be crucial and India has to play safe against the new ball.
Possible XI
England
Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (c), Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, Overton, James Anderson
India
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, C Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), R Jadeja, R Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, M Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah
Key Players
England
Joe Root
The leading run-getter in Tests in 2021, scored 3 hundred in this series
James Anderson
His impact with new ball continues, would be a threat in Oval
India
KL Rahul
Leading run-scorer in Test series with one hundred and one fifty
Jasprit Bumrah
His role would be important in seaming conditions, handy with the bat as well
