England v India | 4th Test | The Oval | Sep 02 - Sep 06, 2021 | Pre-match discussion

[OMB]

The series is now poised at 1-1 where both the teams have seen fortunes soar and collapse.

England is resurgent now and it is India smarting from their latest defeat and have to find answers to the English bowling attack.

What will be the strategy of India to counter-attack, and
Will England retain the same winning combination ?

==

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[Titan24]

England should possibly replace Curran and I think Buttler will be going away as well due to personal reasons. Livingstone has good first class record and is in good form so is Vince for a comeback so one of them should come in.

Burns
Hameed
Malan
Root (C)
Bairstow (WK)
Livingstone/ Vince
Ali
Woakes/ Saqib/Wood (If Woakes is fit for Test he should play)
Robinson
Overton
Anderson

India should bring in Ashwin as there are no 3 lefties in top 7 and he is reasonably compact with the bat. Ideally Rahane should be replaced as well.

Rohit
Rahul
Pujara
Kohli (C)
Gill
Pant (WK)
Jadeja
Ashwin/ Thakur (To have some batting depth)
Shami
Bumrah
Siraj

 

[sweep_shot]

Advantage England now. They have the momentum.

 

[Firebat]

A poll has been added on the outcome of this upcoming 4th Test.

 

[Ab Fan]

England should possibly replace Curran and I think Buttler will be going away as well due to personal reasons. Livingstone has good first class record and is in good form so is Vince for a comeback so one of them should come in.

Burns
Hameed
Malan
Root (C)
Bairstow (WK)
Livingstone/ Vince
Ali
Woakes/ Saqib/Wood (If Woakes is fit for Test he should play)
Robinson
Overton
Anderson

India should bring in Ashwin as there are no 3 lefties in top 7 and he is reasonably compact with the bat. Ideally Rahane should be replaced as well.

Rohit
Rahul
Pujara
Kohli (C)
Gill
Pant (WK)
Jadeja
Ashwin/ Thakur (To have some batting depth)
Shami
Bumrah
Siraj

Gill is injured. He is back to India. We have Vihari, SKY, Mayank and Shaw as the backups available in England.

 

[MenInG]

Courtesy of Joe Root's century and Ollie Robinson's five-for, England handed India an innings defeat to level the five-match Test series 1-1. Despite being only two down for 215 at the end of day 3, the odds were stacked against India as the home team held a healthy lead.

The visitors had to make sure that they bat for at least 90 to 100 overs over the next two days to keep themselves in the fray but that didn't happen. It took England just one session on day 4 to bowl India out for 278 and register an innings and 76-run win.

While Team India isn't expected to ring many changes after just one defeat, skipper Virat Kohli did hint at making a couple of changes due to another reason. During the presser after the defeat in the 3rd Test, Kohli hinted at resting players, opining that it's sensible and logical thing to do.

"That's bound to happen, it is a logical and sensible thing to do. You do not want to push individuals where they break, that conversation is important. So, we will have that conversation with the individuals and see where they are physically and who needs to have a game off. You cannot expect guys to play four Tests in a row," he said.

Kohli didn't name players who need rest and the fans will have to wait till the toss time to know India's playing XI. As far as changes are concerned, Ajinkya Rahane's struggles in the 3rd Test could open the gates for either Hanuma Vihari or Suryakumar Yadav. R Ashwin, who was in consideration to play the Lord's Test, could also walk into playing XI if the conditions favour spinners.

The 4th Test of the series will be played from September 2 to 6 at Kennington Oval, London. A win there will see England extending their dominant run at home. India haven't won a Test series in England since 2007.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...tating-players-for-4th-test-vs-england/804953

 

[Ahmed216]

The outcome will depend a lot on conditions.
London is known to suit teams from sub-continent better so i expect a more even contest.
At headingley there was bounce+movement which both Indian batsmen and bowlers found difficult to adjust to.

India should go in with Ashwin in place of Ishant as pitch might help spinners especially if India bats first. Ashwin also adds batting depth

And replace Asad Rahane by Vihari.

Team winning the toss should bat first

 

[Justcrazy]

India still is a better team , England has to make a seam friendly pitch and play very well to win the game.

 

[Titan24]

Gill is injured. He is back to India. We have Vihari, SKY, Mayank and Shaw as the backups available in England.

Oh yes that true. Then it should be SKY who has been decent touch in international cricket and plays in the middle order.

 

[Last Monetarist]

I'd arguably select the following team at the Oval:

Sharma
Rahul
Pujara
Kohli
Yadav
Pant
Jadeja
Ashwin
Shami
Bumrah
Siraj

Kohli seemed reluctant to give up on the idea of playing four fast bowlers, but it would be asinine if they don't pick Ashwin at the Oval.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

I'd arguably select the following team at the Oval:

Sharma
Rahul
Pujara
Kohli
Yadav
Pant
Jadeja
Ashwin
Shami
Bumrah
Siraj

Kohli seemed reluctant to give up on the idea of playing four fast bowlers, but it would be asinine if they don't pick Ashwin at the Oval.

Your take on Shastri?

Is Kohli overpowering him or Shastri is making mistakes?

Genuine question.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Your take on Shastri?

Is Kohli overpowering him or Shastri is making mistakes?

Genuine question.

He's making mistakes, I genuinely don't think Shastri is someone who can be swayed by anyone of his opinions. So if Kohli is selecting this team, Shastri is obviously backing him fully.

Think England's pathetic batting on Day 5 at Lord's allowed them to be complacent going into this test, when it was obvious that the conditions would improve drastically after a session or two on day 1. The batting approach on Day 1 was perhaps the worst cricket I have seen India play under Shastri.

I'm not convinced by their faith in Pujara and Rahane, or even Ishant Sharma. Ashwin definitely needs to play the last two tests.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

He's making mistakes, I genuinely don't think Shastri is someone who can be swayed by anyone of his opinions. So if Kohli is selecting this team, Shastri is obviously backing him fully.

Think England's pathetic batting on Day 5 at Lord's allowed them to be complacent going into this test, when it was obvious that the conditions would improve drastically after a session or two on day 1. The batting approach on Day 1 was perhaps the worst cricket I have seen India play under Shastri.

I'm not convinced by their faith in Pujara and Rahane, or even Ishant Sharma. Ashwin definitely needs to play the last two tests.

The reason I am asking is because there is a long laundry of atrociously bad tactical mistakes starting from 2015.

Inexplicable mistakes that can't even be given benefit of the doubt.

Either one of these two things are happening:

1. Kohli is picking them and Shastri is backing him fully.

2. Kohli is picking them and Shastri is limited to inputs.

If it's the former, Shastri doesn't seem to be that great a tactician.

If it's the latter, then Shastri is being smart and knowing his limits.

What muddies the waters is the moment Kohli left Australian shores, the selections and tactics were on point.

Even the controversial Sundar over Kuldeep decision turned out to be correct (with Sundar doing his magic in that test and Kuldeep struggling in the next series too).

So I am not sure where the truth lies.

 

[Ab Fan]

Oh yes that true. Then it should be SKY who has been decent touch in international cricket and plays in the middle order.

Don't understand the SKY obsession. I don't think SKY will get a chance. Vihari's last test match was in Sydney where he played what was his career's best knock. So, he will get a nod in my opinion.

SKY is a LOI merchant and is in the squad only because Shubhman Gill, Washington Sundar and probably the next two name in the reckoning after these two, Shreyas Iyer and Karun Nair, are injured. Not sure about Karun Nair though. SKY is selected in the squad only to fill up the numbers.

 

[Last Monetarist]

The reason I am asking is because there is a long laundry of atrociously bad tactical mistakes starting from 2015.

Inexplicable mistakes that can't even be given benefit of the doubt.

Either one of these two things are happening:

1. Kohli is picking them and Shastri is backing him fully.

2. Kohli is picking them and Shastri is limited to inputs.

If it's the former, Shastri doesn't seem to be that great a tactician.

If it's the latter, then Shastri is being smart and knowing his limits.

What muddies the waters is the moment Kohli left Australian shores, the selections and tactics were on point.

Even the controversial Sundar over Kuldeep decision turned out to be correct (with Sundar doing his magic in that test and Kuldeep struggling in the next series too).

So I am not sure where the truth lies.

Don't think it's black and white, I've long thought that Shastri and Kohli bring out the worst excesses in each other. That doesn't mean that the partnership hasn't been successful.

However, these ultra-aggressive tactics won't always work unless they have an ATG batting and bowling line-up as Steve Waugh did in the early 2000s. Sometimes a bit of pragmatism has to prevail, they got away with it at Lord's but they can't keep repeating these mistakes in England.

The faith in Pujara and Rahane is probably also born out of lack of confidence in Vihari, who doesn't seem to be a player that both Kohli and Shastri fancy.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Don't think it's black and white, I've long thought that Shastri and Kohli bring out the worst excesses in each other. That doesn't mean that the partnership hasn't been successful.

However, these ultra-aggressive tactics won't always work unless they have an ATG batting and bowling line-up as Steve Waugh did in the early 2000s. Sometimes a bit of pragmatism has to prevail, they got away with it at Lord's but they can't keep repeating these mistakes in England.

The faith in Pujara and Rahane is probably also born out of lack of confidence in Vihari, who doesn't seem to be a player that both Kohli and Shastri fancy.

Yeha thats true.

But I am trying to understand who takes the blame for all the blunders over the years.

Shastri said Dhawan scores 100s and that matters. (He scored vs SL in SL whom we whitewashed 3-0).

He used that as an excuse to drop KL (who had come back from the legendary Aus performance in 2017).

Now it's another matter KL screwed up in 2018....but he was dropped for that no-hoper Dhawan whom we all knew would fail for sure.

Another comedy was the Bhuvi drop in Centurion cos apparently he can't do well in bouncier conditions (this is after he did marvelously well in the first test).

India promptly lost that game. Bhuvi came back for the 3rd test which we won.

Just a small sample of the many many many many bad decisions over the years.

Who makes these decisions and who needs to be blamed for this stupidity?

I genuinely don't know the answer to this so I am asking.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Yeha thats true.

But I am trying to understand who takes the blame for all the blunders over the years.

Shastri said Dhawan scores 100s and that matters. (He scored vs SL in SL whom we whitewashed 3-0).

He used that as an excuse to drop KL (who had come back from the legendary Aus performance in 2017).

Now it's another matter KL screwed up in 2018....but he was dropped for that no-hoper Dhawan whom we all knew would fail for sure.

Another comedy was the Bhuvi drop in Centurion cos apparently he can't do well in bouncier conditions (this is after he did marvelously well in the first test).

India promptly lost that game. Bhuvi came back for the 3rd test which we won.

Just a small sample of the many many many many bad decisions over the years.

Who makes these decisions and who needs to be blamed for this stupidity?

I genuinely don't know the answer to this so I am asking.

Boring answer: I'd blame both Kohli and Shastri.

Even if Kohli is taking the final call (which seems evident), Shastri should share a not insignificant portion of the blame for at best not being persuasive enough to dissuade Kohli.

The difference in Australia was that without Kohli, & I know this is where your confusion emanates from, is that Shastri was making those pragmatic calls. I just don't understand why he couldn't lay down the law and lose his rag when the batsmen were driving lazily outside off-stump on a typical Headingley wicket last Wednesday.

 

[MenInG]

Senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was on Saturday taken to a hospital in Leeds for precautionary scans to know the extent of a knee injury he sustained during the third Test against England.

Jadeja, who has played all the three Test matches, apparently hurt his knee while fielding during the England innings on the second day of the match that India lost by an innings and 76 runs.

Jadeja posted a picture of himself, wearing hospital apparels, on his instagram page with a caption “Not a good place to be at".

As of now, the Indian team management doesn’t seem to be too worried as it might not be “very serious".

The Indian team is supposed to leave for London on August 30 and if the scan reports do not reveal anything major, Jadeja will accompany the team.

The fourth Test starts on September 2 at the Oval and there is a possibility of senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin replacing Jadeja on a track which is known to offer help to the slow bowlers.

Ashwin had played a County game for Surrey before the Test series, taking six wickets in an innings.

https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/...ns-to-know-extent-of-knee-injury-4139636.html

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Boring answer: I'd blame both Kohli and Shastri.

Even if Kohli is taking the final call (which seems evident), Shastri should share a not insignificant portion of the blame for at best not being persuasive enough to dissuade Kohli.

The difference in Australia was that without Kohli, & I know this is where your confusion emanates from, is that Shastri was making those pragmatic calls. I just don't understand why he couldn't lay down the law and lose his rag when the batsmen were driving lazily outside off-stump on a typical Headingley wicket last Wednesday.

Ok thanks for that.

Thats seems to be my view too.

As you said, both of them joined together bring the worst of each other.

When separate, Shastri atleast is capable of doing well.

Also another factor could be that others in the team feel more comfortable voicing their views (without Kohli) and collectively, the team ends up making the right decision.

I just don't understand why he couldn't lay down the law and lose his rag when the batsmen were driving lazily outside off-stump on a typical Headingley wicket last Wednesday.

Partly indisplicipline but a lot has to do with poor technical fundamentals I believe.

Take Kohli for example.

Plays everything off the front foot. Doesn't have an offside backfoot game (no punches or cuts). Heck, even Hameed plays some shots that Kohli is unable to. This combined with his poor off stump awareness forces him to touch balls he should leave alone. He tried really hard to control his urges but nicked one today.

Today he was asked in the presser about why there were no backfoot shots.

He replied saying "how can I play on the backfoot for pitched up deliveries"

The reporter said "I am talking about deliveries that are short of length. We are missing out on so many scoring opportunities".

Kohli "Thank you."

Moved to the next question.

Another aspect is angled bat.

Angled bat turns perfectly defendable deliveries into wicket taking ones. Pujara often gets out to normal deliveries due to his angled bat.

Unsurprisingly, the best Indian bats in this tour (KL and Rohit) have a solid technique for these conditions.

Jaddu hasn't scored much but he looks pretty organized to me.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Ok thanks for that.

Thats seems to be my view too.

As you said, both of them joined together bring the worst of each other.

When separate, Shastri atleast is capable of doing well.

Also another factor could be that others in the team feel more comfortable voicing their views (without Kohli) and collectively, the team ends up making the right decision.



Partly indisplicipline but a lot has to do with poor technical fundamentals I believe.

Take Kohli for example.

Plays everything off the front foot. Doesn't have an offside backfoot game (no punches or cuts). Heck, even Hameed plays some shots that Kohli is unable to. This combined with his poor off stump awareness forces him to touch balls he should leave alone. He tried really hard to control his urges but nicked one today.

Today he was asked in the presser about why there were no backfoot shots.

He replied saying "how can I play on the backfoot for pitched up deliveries"

The reporter said "I am talking about deliveries that are short of length. We are missing out on so many scoring opportunities".

Kohli "Thank you."

Moved to the next question.

Another aspect is angled bat.

Angled bat turns perfectly defendable deliveries into wicket taking ones. Pujara often gets out to normal deliveries due to his angled bat.

Unsurprisingly, the best Indian bats in this tour (KL and Rohit) have a solid technique for these conditions.

Jaddu hasn't scored much but he looks pretty organized to me.

Think Shastri's biggest failing was not being able to prevent his batsmen from throwing their bats at balls they could have left well alone.

I remember the 2002 test at Headingley was played on a pitch which was significantly more damp than this one. Bangar and Dravid were patient and prepared to give the first two sessions to the English bowlers, obviously that attack was devoid of Anderson, but the intent from the batsmen was clear from the beginning. Bangar wore a few on his body as well that day because he was so focused on defending the ball. I don't remember any loose strokes outside off-stump either.

Shastri isn't so stupid that he'd forget the batting approach on that day given that he was at the ground that day working for television.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Think Shastri's biggest failing was not being able to prevent his batsmen from throwing their bats at balls they could have left well alone.

I remember the 2002 test at Headingley was played on a pitch which was significantly more damp than this one. Bangar and Dravid were patient and prepared to give the first two sessions to the English bowlers, obviously that attack was devoid of Anderson, but the intent from the batsmen was clear from the beginning. Bangar wore a few on his body as well that day because he was so focused on defending the ball. I don't remember any loose strokes outside off-stump either.

Shastri isn't so stupid that he'd forget the batting approach on that day given that he was at the ground that day working for television.

This is an age old problem and usually the answer lies in fundamentals as opposed to strategy.

I think them failing is not on Shastri.

Their issues are so deep rooted that failure was inevitable unless they are playing for their spots which makes them play out of their skins (which is why Pujara and Rahane scored a few runs).

The failing of Shastri is in not packing up Pujara and Rahane when he had the chance after 1st test.

Problem was he & Kohli would get brickbats if the team failed so they kept them to maintain status quo.

Also Kohli not performing would have played a role in this decision.

It's a mess.

By the way, I fully expected a collapse like this to happen.

Not 78 all out.

But something bad.

All we needed was our openers to fail and the weak MO would be exposed.

And that just happened.

Lords 2021 is a fluke of the highest order (Bumrah and Shami literally won it with both bat & ball) and the result blinded them from the reality.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Before this series started, all I said was this:

If we score runs, we will win the series. But who will score runs for us.

Luckily Rohit and KL have been good.

Pujara and Rahane fluked it in Lords.

Bumrah and Shami had a great partnership out of nowhere and we won.

We somehow need to put runs on the board.

If someone does it, we will keep winning.

But then....there is a lot of luck involved in hoping for runs.

This is why we gotta replace our MO for the next game.

Rahane has to go for sure.

I would wanna drop Pujara but I don't see that happening now.

The newcomers won't find it easy too but we need to move forward.

 

[Robert]

India still is a better team , England has to make a seam friendly pitch and play very well to win the game.

Not at the Oval.

India should play both spinners and hope to be bowling later when the wicket starts breaking up.

 

[Extra_Cover]

I'm super impressed by Robinson, he is second coming for Broad. He is ideal replacement of Broad and boy he is a very identical bowler to Broad.

Woakes should walk into this team at expense of Curran. Woakes has incredible record whilst playing in England so his selection should be a no-brainer.

If Butler is unavailable then ideally Pope should come in. However having said that both Vince and Livingstone has had a good recent season. There will be selection headaches on this one.

Root and management would want Anderson to continue playing but given he is almost 40 that is asking a lot from him. On basis that Anderson is not playing then Saqib should replace him.

 

[James]

For England, the out of form Curran had yet another anonymous Test. He should now make way.

There are arguments to be made for Mahmood, Woakes, and even Leach in his place.

Root is a competent second spinner for English conditions. Personally I would go for Mahmood because he deserves his chance to debut.

Rest of the team stays the same, it’s just Curran and that tricky number eight spot.

 

[PakLFC]

After going 1-0 up Indian fans were becoming to cocky about their win. Yesterday's thrashing was well timed and will humble them for sure. I fancy England too win the series now.

 

[Ab Fan]

Before this series started, all I said was this:

If we score runs, we will win the series. But who will score runs for us.

Luckily Rohit and KL have been good.

Pujara and Rahane fluked it in Lords.

Bumrah and Shami had a great partnership out of nowhere and we won.

We somehow need to put runs on the board.

If someone does it, we will keep winning.

But then....there is a lot of luck involved in hoping for runs.

This is why we gotta replace our MO for the next game.

Rahane has to go for sure.

I would wanna drop Pujara but I don't see that happening now.

The newcomers won't find it easy too but we need to move forward.

Rahane ain't getting dropped either. His decision to ask Kohli to review because of which our kaptaan's stay lasted 10 mins longer has saved his test career. He also had a 61 last test so that is enough for the specialist vice-captain to keep his place.

 

[Ab Fan]

The only way Rahane or Pujara can be dropped is if the other names in consideration push them harder for their spots.

Once Gill is back, it will not be easy to drop KL. Furthermore, KL and Gill will need to push themselves harder and score bigger knocks to end the careers of Rahane and Pujara.

In this series, at best, only one could have been dropped because SKY is just an intermittent option and Kohli-Shastri combo doesn't seem to be too confident on Vihari and Mayank.

 

[OMB]

The only way Rahane or Pujara can be dropped is if the other names in consideration push them harder for their spots.

Once Gill is back, it will not be easy to drop KL. Furthermore, KL and Gill will need to push themselves harder and score bigger knocks to end the careers of Rahane and Pujara.

In this series, at best, only one could have been dropped because SKY is just an intermittent option and Kohli-Shastri combo doesn't seem to be too confident on Vihari and Mayank.

No need to push harder as Rahul has already proved his case and Rahane and Pujara are under the sword in every innings and escaping barely.
TM should take risk and try removing Rahane. Pujara might stick around for this series on account of his better showing in the last innings. We dont have Dravid Laxman kind of players in our midst but still we can’t keep delaying this anymore so must take chances.

Ofcourse we all wouldn’t be talking about weak MO if our best batsman were performing like England’s is. Magically partnerships occur when Kohli is in form and batting appears to be so easy.

 

[Robert]

I'm super impressed by Robinson, he is second coming for Broad. He is ideal replacement of Broad and boy he is a very identical bowler to Broad.

Woakes should walk into this team at expense of Curran. Woakes has incredible record whilst playing in England so his selection should be a no-brainer.

If Butler is unavailable then ideally Pope should come in. However having said that both Vince and Livingstone has had a good recent season. There will be selection headaches on this one.

Root and management would want Anderson to continue playing but given he is almost 40 that is asking a lot from him. On basis that Anderson is not playing then Saqib should replace him.

Robbo is a swing bowler. Broad never swung it much. I would retire Broad now.

Saqib and Wood in for Anderson (who looks tired) and Curran.

 

[MenInG]

India skipper Virat Kohli has turned down suggestions that he should play an extra batsman and a bowler less in the fourth Test at The Oval after Indian batting succumbed in the third Test at the Headingley. India lost by an innings and 76 runs. The heavy defeat was caused mainly by poor show with the bat in the first innings as India were bowled out for 78.

On Saturday, the fourth day, the Indian lower middle-order again caved in after a bright start from the top order.

“I don’t believe in that balance (pick an extra batsman). I have never believed in that balance. Either you can try and save [yourself] from a defeat and try and win the game and we have drawn games in the past with similar number of batters," said Kohli to media in an interaction after the match.

“So if top your 6-7 don’t do the job, that extra guy is not a guarantee for bailing you out every time. You have to take responsibility and pride for doing the job for the team. If you don’t have the ability or resources to take 20 wickets going into a Test match then you are already playing for two results and that is not how we play."

Former India captain and opener Sunil Gavaskar and batsman Sanjay Manjrekar had opined that India could be forced to play an extra batsman in the fourth Test beginning September 2.

“I think they will think on whether they will go ahead with this line-up or make-up of the side. Whether they are okay going ahead with five bowlers or change it and bring in an extra batsman for a bowler," Gavaskar said on Saturday after the match in a studio chat.

Kohli, however, has almost always believed in going with five bowlers as he feels it gives him a chance to force a win.

https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/...ays-dont-believe-in-that-balance-4140056.html

 

[Ab Fan]

No need to push harder as Rahul has already proved his case and Rahane and Pujara are under the sword in every innings and escaping barely.
TM should take risk and try removing Rahane. Pujara might stick around for this series on account of his better showing in the last innings. We dont have Dravid Laxman kind of players in our midst but still we can’t keep delaying this anymore so must take chances.

Ofcourse we all wouldn’t be talking about weak MO if our best batsman were performing like England’s is. Magically partnerships occur when Kohli is in form and batting appears to be so easy.

The delay has been happening from quite some time now. Rahane should have been dropped after the comical knock that he played in Christchurch where he was bullied by Wagner's short pitch stuff. But since then, he has been just lucky to save his spot and ofcourse he has the backing of the Mumbai lobby.

If we look at SENA stats,

Pujara and Rahane average in mid-30s while the likes of Laxman and Ganguly averaged close to 40 and the Tendulkars-Dravids averaged 50 in SENA.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Rahane ain't getting dropped either. His decision to ask Kohli to review because of which our kaptaan's stay lasted 10 mins longer has saved his test career. He also had a 61 last test so that is enough for the specialist vice-captain to keep his place.

Kohli makes it sooooo hard to support the Indian team man.

 

[MP2011]

“I don’t believe in that balance (pick an extra batsman). I have never believed in that balance. Either you can try and save [yourself] from a defeat and try and win the game and we have drawn games in the past with similar number of batters," said Kohli to media in an interaction after the match.

“So if top your 6-7 don’t do the job, that extra guy is not a guarantee for bailing you out every time. You have to take responsibility and pride for doing the job for the team. If you don’t have the ability or resources to take 20 wickets going into a Test match then you are already playing for two results and that is not how we play."

What a dumb guy!

You play 5 bowlers when you've at least 5 functional batsmen and a WK batsman. Not when you've barely 1.5 batsmen in the name of your batting lineup, 4 no.11s, plus a keeper who has totally forgotten to bat. Any runs from him are just a bonus.

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

Ashwin can turn the game for India. Such a talented cricketer he is.

Need to take risk of dropping Ishant.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

What a dumb guy!

You play 5 bowlers when you've at least 5 functional batsmen and a WK batsman. Not when you've barely 1.5 batsmen in the name of your batting lineup, 4 no.11s, plus a keeper who has totally forgotten to bat. Any runs from him are just a bonus.

I don't think 5 bowlers is the issue.

It's 4 number XIs there thats the issue (main is batting of course).

Only bowling is working these days.

If we weaken that to strengthen the batting and that batsman gets out for 10....we are done.

We are in the game only because of bowling.

The right way to go is to stack it up with Jaddu, Ashwin and Thakur that gives you real and psychological depth.

If they don't perform, we can course correct.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Bowling choices:

Jaddu + Thakur + 3 pacers

Vihari + Thakur + 3 pacers

Jaddu + Ashwin + 3 pacers

Jaddu + Ashwin + Thakur + 2 pacers

Since Thakur's swing is important, I would go with the last choice.

Test it out.

The second last choice is not a bad one too.

 

[MP2011]

I don't think 5 bowlers is the issue.

It isn't, the 5 bowlers that is! The issue is our disastrous middle order which is not even doing the job it is paid for.

As for 4 no.11s, at least they're contributing with the ball, more often than not! What is the contribution of our middle order to the team's cause?

Hence, you'll tend to play 4 bowlers and 6 bats only due to no other batsmen contributing to the total. That's what the likes of Sunny have alluded to.

 

[MP2011]

Contrast this with 2000 Australian team always played with 4 bowlers, 6 batsmen + Gilly. Not comparing our current bowling lineup with the likes of McWarne, Dizzy etc.

However, if even Aussies felt that 6 batsmen were the way to go, why is this guy so bloody arrogant to play 5 bowlers when he knows it very well that he doesn't even have 2 fully functional batsmen out of those 5? Does he think scoring runs isn't part of test cricket now?

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Contrast this with 2000 Australian team always played with 4 bowlers, 6 batsmen + Gilly. Not comparing our current bowling lineup with the likes of McWarne, Dizzy etc.

However, if even Aussies felt that 6 batsmen were the way to go, why is this guy so bloody arrogant to play 5 bowlers when he knows it very well that he doesn't even have 2 fully functional batsmen out of those 5? Does he think scoring runs isn't part of test cricket now?

Aussies had Mcgrath and warne so they could afford to go with 4 bowlers.

Plus Steve and Mark Waugh bowled to give relief if needed.

If we go with 6 batters, then the 6th batter should be Vihari who can also bowl offspin.

Jaddu will come good in my opinion. Always plays with tail in hopeless situations. Should bat above Pant. Will help both.

 

[MP2011]

[/B]

Aussies had Mcgrath and warne so they could afford to go with 4 bowlers.

They could since they had McWarne, point taken, completely agree with this.

However my point is, isn't run-scoring any important in test cricket? Is taking 20 wickets is the only thing that matters in test cricket? What would your bowlers defend if they don't get a decent enough score to defend? Case in point just finished Leeds test.

We had a similar problem in 2000s in reverse that we had batsmen who could rake huge scores but didn't have bowlers who could take 20 wickets between them!

 

[battler]

Bowling choices:

Jaddu + Thakur + 3 pacers

Vihari + Thakur + 3 pacers

Jaddu + Ashwin + 3 pacers

Jaddu + Ashwin + Thakur + 2 pacers

Since Thakur's swing is important, I would go with the last choice.

Test it out.

The second last choice is not a bad one too.

Who would you drop amongst Siraj, Shami and Bumrah if we went with the last option?

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Who would you drop amongst Siraj, Shami and Bumrah if we went with the last option?

Very very tough choice.

I don't know.

Heart asks me to keep Siraj.

But Shami has performed better.

I would rest Shami citing overload and keep Siraj.

Then if need be, switch over in 5th test looking at the performance of all 3 pacers.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

They could since they had McWarne, point taken, completely agree with this.

However my point is, isn't run-scoring any important in test cricket? Is taking 20 wickets is the only thing that matters in test cricket? What would your bowlers defend if they don't get a decent enough score to defend? Case in point just finished Leeds test.

We had a similar problem in 2000s in reverse that we had batsmen who could rake huge scores but didn't have bowlers who could take 20 wickets between them!

Yes but you can't weaken our strength.

The reason why Pakistan won more games than India pre 2000 is because they had a better bowling and inferior batting.

A batsman fluking a knock is easier than a bowler fluking a collapse on an easy wicket.

Last to last game, all we need was a couple of scratchy knocks from Pujara and Rahane...then a magical fluke by Bumrah and Shami....and we won the game.

Same happened in Aus tour.

We batted each innings NOT knowing where our runs would come.

Gill and Rohit somehow scored.
Pujara would block.
Rahane clicked one innings.
Pant in a couple.
Jaddu supported in a couple of crucial innings.
Ashwin and Vihari chipped in.
Sundar and Thakur fought back.

And we won the series.

Not the best strategy but considering the quality of batsmen we have now....we can't weaken the bowling as the extra bat could very well get out first ball and become a total passenger.

 

[mastimasti]

India were exceptional in the first test, strong and tactful in the second but the lack of spine in the 3rd test has been the story of India against top teams away.

The odd win, maybe a draw but then a collapse like a house of cards. The positive is that the oval can help spinners and if the weather is warm enough the pitch can dry.

I'd play ashwin if we want a chance to win.

 

[Rajdeep]

India should play this team:

Rohit
Shaw
Pujara
Kohli
Rahul
Pant
Shardul
Ashwin
Bumrah
Shami
Siraj

Yes I know I have advocated Rahul to open for long and I still believe he is the best red ball opener in the country.

But our middle order is the problem and need to plug that gap.

Since we already have other openers, its wise to send Rahul to the middle order for the time being.

 

[Romali_rotti]

I really hope ENG wins this test match.. It will end Kohli's captaincy, along with Pujara and Rahane's career, they are only wasting time of good young players who should be playing now.

 

[OMB]

I really hope ENG wins this test match.. It will end Kohli's captaincy, along with Pujara and Rahane's career, they are only wasting time of good young players who should be playing now.

That would be like cutting off your nose to spite the face

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

India should play this team:

Rohit
Shaw
Pujara
Kohli
Rahul
Pant
Shardul
Ashwin
Bumrah
Shami
Siraj

Yes I know I have advocated Rahul to open for long and I still believe he is the best red ball opener in the country.

But our middle order is the problem and need to plug that gap.

Since we already have other openers, its wise to send Rahul to the middle order for the time being.

Let him open in the remaining matches as well.

 

[Titan24]

Don't understand the SKY obsession. I don't think SKY will get a chance. Vihari's last test match was in Sydney where he played what was his career's best knock. So, he will get a nod in my opinion.

SKY is a LOI merchant and is in the squad only because Shubhman Gill, Washington Sundar and probably the next two name in the reckoning after these two, Shreyas Iyer and Karun Nair, are injured. Not sure about Karun Nair though. SKY is selected in the squad only to fill up the numbers.

On FC stats Vihari is far ahead. However, the application SKY has shown since his international debut and the temperament he has shown has been impressive. SKY was rated highly in Mumbai cricket circle since a young age if I am not wrong but, definitely his FC numbers didn’t live upto the hype if we compare them with averages of top batsmen in Indian FC cricket.

I am not sure how SKY will take test cricket but, in terms of raw ability ability as a batsman in my opinion he looks to be superior than Vihari. Yes his lower FC average than Vihari indicate potential concentration lapses on occasions or some technical deficiencies in comparison but, if he can continue to adapt take his game up a notch for international cricket he can be handy.

Vihari in his 12 tests haven’t created much impact but, as per general rule as he is part of the regular test squad he deserves an opportunity before anyone else in that middle order.

 

[Ab Fan]

Rohit(c)
Rahul
Pujara
Kohli
Jadeja
Mayank
Pant(wkt)
Ashwin(v/c)
Shami
Bumrah
Siraj

This will be my team assuming it will be a relatively flatter deck with spin assisting in the later part of the game. The situation calls for brave decisions.

 

[MenInG]

Shane Warne believes England should consider bringing Liam Livingstone into the Test squad for the fourth Test against India.

Livingstone has been in fantastic form in white-ball cricket, smashing England's fastest ever century during the IT20 series against
Pakistan, shining for Lancashire in the Vitality Blast and he was named the men's MVP in The Hundred after starring for Birmingham Phoenix.

England may have to make a change to their middle-order for the Test at the Kia Oval, which begins on Thursday, with Jos Buttler set to leave the squad at some stage to be at the birth of his second child.

 

[MenInG]

Chris Woakes returns to the England Test squad

England Men’s Head Coach Chris Silverwood has named a 15-player squad for the fourth LV= Insurance Test match against India starting at the Kia Oval on Thursday 2 September 2021.

England Men’s LV= Insurance Fourth Test Squad

Joe Root (Yorkshire) Captain

Moeen Ali (Worcestershire)

James Anderson (Lancashire)

Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire)

Sam Billings (Kent)

Rory Burns (Surrey)

Sam Curran (Surrey)

Haseeb Hameed (Nottinghamshire)

Dan Lawrence (Essex)

Dawid Malan (Yorkshire)

Craig Overton (Somerset)

Ollie Pope (Surrey)

Ollie Robinson (Sussex)

Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

Mark Wood (Durham)

Warwickshire all-rounder Chris Woakes returns to the Test squad after recovering from a heel injury. He has successfully returned to cricket with Warwickshire second XI last week, and the Vitality Blast T20 quarter-final for Birmingham Bears in their defeat to Kent Spitfires last Friday at Canterbury.

Kent wicketkeeper Sam Billings is added to the squad replacing Jos Buttler, who will miss the Test with his wife expecting their second child.

Seamer Saqib Mahmood returns to Lancashire for their LV= County Championship Division One match against Warwickshire at Emirates Old Trafford starting on Monday.

The England medical team will continue to assess seamer Mark Wood, who returned to bowling during practice at the end of the Emerald Headingley Test match and is recovering well from his injured right shoulder he sustained during the second Test at Lord’s.

England Men’s Head Coach, Chris Silverwood, said:

“After the victory at Emerald Headingley, the Test series is beautifully poised against a strong India side going into the next Test at the Kia Oval.

“It is very pleasing that we have Chris Woakes returning to the Test squad. He has bowled well over the past week with Warwickshire without any real concerns with his heel injury. He is an asset we have been missing both with the ball and his ability to score runs in the middle order. We are looking forward to seeing him prepare at the Oval as we go into back-to-back Tests.

“Mark Wood is making excellent recovery from his jarred right shoulder. He bowled in the middle on the last day at Headingley with our Bowling Coach Jon Lewis and was starting to get through his spells pain-free.

“For the first time in this series, it is pleasing to have several options with our bowling stocks as we approach the latter stages of the series.

“We would like to wish Jos (Buttler) and his family all the very best for the impending birth of their second child. Unfortunately, he will miss this Test, and we’ll then see if he returns for the final Test at Emirates Old Trafford.

“Jonny Bairstow will take over wicketkeeping duties, which he is relishing. As we all know, he has the skills to seamlessly take over from Jos and the ability to score crucial runs in the middle-order if called upon.

“Sam Billings, who was in the Test squad for the New Zealand series earlier this summer, returns as reserve keeper. He understands how we want to approach our cricket and is a popular member of the group. He will fit in well with the rest of the group.”

England will train for the first time at the Kia Oval on Tuesday afternoon.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

30 year old Sam Billings to make his test debut against India.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Pope should come in for Buttler and Woakes for Curran.

 

[Ab Fan]

Welcome back, Chris Woakes in England conditions!

Looking forward to him ending careers of couple of our batsman, one of whom is averaging 33 over his last 48 tests as specialist batsman.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Surprise mf......

Damn thats a good lineup.

No escape for batsmen.

Regardless of Ashwin is playing or not, India better be on their toes or else they are getting pummelled.

 

[Justcrazy]

Burns
Hameed
Malan
Root (C)
Bairstow (WK)
Livingstone
Ali
Woakes.
Robinson
Overton
Anderson

This is the team England need to play.

 

[James]

Burns
Hameed
Malan
Root (C)
Bairstow (WK)
Livingstone
Ali
Woakes.
Robinson
Overton
Anderson

This is the team England need to play.

Livingstone isn’t in the squad.

 

[James]

A suggested England team for the Oval:

Burns
Hameed
Malan
Root*
Pope
Bairstow+
Ali
Woakes
Overton
Robinson
Anderson

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Your take on Shastri?

Is Kohli overpowering him or Shastri is making mistakes?

Genuine question.

Do you really think selection was the issue behind our loss in the third test?
Sorry, but that's totally preposterous.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Do you really think selection was the issue behind our loss in the third test?
Sorry, but that's totally preposterous.

Definitely played a HUGE role.

See my posts from the first test bro.

Talked about it soo many times that disaster was waiting to happen when you play with 4 batsman.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Definitely played a HUGE role.

See my posts from the first test bro.

Talked about it soo many times that disaster was waiting to happen when you play with 4 batsman.

Not saying other selections would have won us the game.

But atleast we could have tried to move forward.

Pujara and Rahane have to be dropped.

We can't have this MO and 4 number XIs.

Someone should post a list of collapses India has had in the last year.

The list is MILE LONG.

 

[Mp812]

No harm in trying out SKY. He cannot do worse than Rahane at the moment. He is in form in other formats as of today and maybe he may carry the form to tests.

Pujara last innings was 90s score and if he plays that way rather just defending he can be useful.

The series is now essentially a 2 match series

 

[Ashraful_Rox]

India are favorites, Kohli will score a ton and Rohit most likely to score a daddy ton. Ashwin and Bumrah to take fifers.

Fifth Test Moen Ali will do a Stokes and tie it for England 2-2

 

[Deewana Mastana]

England could bring in Woakes for Curran and Pope for Buttler as that would even make them a bit stronger.

 

[street cricketer]

Shane Warne believes England should consider bringing Liam Livingstone into the Test squad for the fourth Test against India.

Livingstone has been in fantastic form in white-ball cricket, smashing England's fastest ever century during the IT20 series against
Pakistan, shining for Lancashire in the Vitality Blast and he was named the men's MVP in The Hundred after starring for Birmingham Phoenix.

England may have to make a change to their middle-order for the Test at the Kia Oval, which begins on Thursday, with Jos Buttler set to leave the squad at some stage to be at the birth of his second child.

I don't know what's worse. When Warne called for Riley Meredith to be included in the Australian test team because he had a good Big Bash or calling for Livingstone in the English test team because he has had a great Hundred.

 

[street cricketer]

Hopefully Woakes finishes the careers of Pujara and Rahane, which have been on life support for a long time. I would say Kohli too, but Kohli isn't going to get dropped anytime soon.

India desperately needs young blood in the middle order.

 

[MenInG]

India's senior-most pacer Ishant Sharma may not find place in the playing XI in the remaining two Tests against England after an indifferent show in the third match, which the visitors lost by an innings and 76 runs.

Ishant's figures of 22-0-92-0 were worst among the Indian pacers as England scored 432 runs but more importantly, the veteran looked jaded. The gingerly run-up never transformed into the bustling Ishant that the fans are accustomed to watch.

He bowled primarily in the late 120kmph and early 130kmph but was hardly penetrative, effectively turning India's attack into three-pronged pace unit.

There has been no confirmation whether Ishant, who has had a history of ankle injuries as well as side strain issues, was fully fit during the third Test match.

Skipper Virat Kohli refused to speak about Ishant's performance after the match but did indicate that there will be changes keeping in mind the workload of the pace bowlers.

However Ishant, who didn't play the first Test has bowled 56 overs across three innings with five wickets to show for his efforts. It's clear that during this English summer since the World Test Championship final Ishant does not seem to have the sting when he bowls third or fourth spell.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's knee scan report hasn't revealed any significant damage but off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin looks favourite to start in the fourth Test at the Oval from September 2.

It is still not clear whether India will plan to go in with two specialist spinners but Ashwin, who had a great county game for Surrey at the same venue won't be benched at least in this game.

In case of Ishant going out, the choice would again be between Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur. Shardul with his better batting abilities has his nose ahead but Umesh is certainly a better red ball bowler than the Mumbaikar.

But with Kohli clearly pointing out that workload will be monitored, it remains to be seen whether the seasoned Mohammed Shami with 11 wickets from 96.5 overs is rested to keep him fresh for the final Test or Jasprit Bumrah.

Bumrah has bowled the maximum overs among Indian pacers (108 overs) taking 14 wickets. The pacer is expected to play most games for Mumbai Indians in the IPL and is very important member of the T20 World Cup team.

The other pacer Mohammed Siraj, who is only a couple of months junior to Bumrah, has bowled 100.5 overs in the series.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...l-test-r-ashwin-may-get-his-first-game/805268

 

[James]

England could bring in Woakes for Curran and Pope for Buttler as that would even make them a bit stronger.

These will be the England changes I think. It would be a stronger team than the XI which won the third Test in my opinion.

 

[James]

I don't know what's worse. When Warne called for Riley Meredith to be included in the Australian test team because he had a good Big Bash or calling for Livingstone in the English test team because he has had a great Hundred.

Yes, unlike many it seems (certainly more people than I expected) I am not on board with Livingstone in the Test XI at the moment. He is clearly a monster in limited overs cricket, absolutely thrilling to watch and I can’t wait to see him on the field again, but I do not think that it is the right timing for his Test debut until the next English summer.

 

[MenInG]

Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler will miss the fourth Test against India starting on Thursday because his wife is expecting their second child.

Jonny Bairstow, who played as a specialist batsman in the first three Tests, will deputise at the Kia Oval.

All-rounder Chris Woakes returns to a 15-man squad after a heel injury.

Pace bowler Mark Wood has recovered from the shoulder problem that kept him out of the innings-and-76-run win in the third Test.
Fast bowler Saqib Mahmood, part of the squad at Emerald Headingley but overlooked for the final XI, is left out to accommodate Wood's return.

Sam Billings, who has 25 one-day and 32 Twenty20 caps for England but never played a Test, will provide wicketkeeping cover for Bairstow.

The five-match series is level at 1-1.

 

[Robert]

A suggested England team for the Oval:

Burns
Hameed
Malan
Root*
Pope
Bairstow+
Ali
Woakes
Overton
Robinson
Anderson

I would rest Jimmy and bring in Leach.

 

[Saurav]

I would rest Jimmy and bring in Leach.

Why would you bring a spinner v India?Wood is a good option.

 

[MenInG]

England coach Chris Silverwood believes his side's ongoing contest with India could prove to be one of Test cricket's most memorable series.

The teams travel to London for next week's fourth Test at the Oval all square at 1-1 in a five-match campaign after a rain-marred draw in Nottingham was followed by an excellent last-day win for India at Lord's before England hit back with a dominating innings-and-76-run victory in Leeds on Saturday.

India have already been involved in one classic encounter this year when an injury-hit squad recovered from the humiliation of 36 all out in the first Test in Adelaide to complete a 2-1 series triumph in Australia.

For England, the modern-day benchmark remains a 2-1 Ashes triumph at home to Australia in 2005 and Silverwood, asked Sunday if the current series could hit those heights, told reporters: "You'd hope so. Maybe it will be one of those series that we'll look back on and go 'wow, that was fantastic'.

"We know India are a very good side. They're difficult to beat, but what we're showing is we've the class to do that and match them."

Victory at Headingley saw pace great James Anderson continue to torment India captain Virat Kohli as the tourists were dismissed for just 78 in their first innings, while England skipper Joe Root, on his Yorkshire home ground, scored his third hundred of the series and sixth in Test cricket this year.

This result also ended England's run of seven Tests without a win, a sequence that started during a tour of India earlier this year, and saw Root, who has now overseen 27 victories as a captain, surpass Michael Vaughan as England's most successful skipper in the format.

- 'Learning all the time' -

Vaughan acknowledged Root's achievement in his Daily Telegraph column, but captain of the 2005 Ashes-winning team captain said his fellow Yorkshire batsman would need to match that feat in the upcoming series in Australia to confirm his reputation.

The 30-year-old Root has now led England in 55 Tests, four shy of immediate predecessor Alastair Cook's national record.

"I think he is growing and learning all the time," said Silverwood of Root. "That's a great characteristic for a captain to have: to reflect back honestly and make a difference."

"I think there's potential there for him to be one of the great England captains, yes. It's great that Joe has got that record, no-one can take that away from him now. Obviously, we're going to go to Australia and if we win there we can have this conversation again."

Silverwood, himself a former Yorkshire and England paceman, added: "To show my age, I used to play cricket against his (Root's) Dad -- when I was playing for Castleford he was playing Sheffield Collegiate.

"Seeing him become the most successful captain was superb -- something I've been looking forward to for a while."

England may have happened upon a winning side at Headingley more by accident than design, with Haseeb Hameed and Dawid Malan both making fifties after Silverwood -- now in charge of selection -- dropped both the struggling Zak Crawley and Dom Sibley.

Meanwhile Ollie Robinson, only given an England debut in June, took a Test-best 5-65 on Saturday in an attack missing the injured Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes and Olly Stone, with star all-rounder Ben Stokes still absent due to mental health issues.

"To be honest I feel lucky that I've got the players there that I can call upon to come in and do the job that they have," said Silverwood.

"I think life does throw you a few curveballs every now and again. We have been operating with a wider group of players because obviously Covid has allowed us to do that, which has been great. So I've had eyes on many more players, and when I've asked these guys to step up they have done."

https://sports.yahoo.com/silverwood-says-england-india-series-144009798.html

 

[sharmaji]

This would be my team:

Rohit (c)
Rahul (wk)
Mayank
Kohli
Vihari
SKY
Jadeja
Ashwin
Bumrah
Shami
Siraj

Yes, I'd drop Pant, Ishant, Rahane and Pujara.

I understand it is a test match and KL is not a regular keeper, but I would still go for it. Pant has been a disappointment this series, not just his form, but even his attitude.

If I could, I would even remove Kohli as captain. But we can't at this point in the series, and there are no ready alternatives (Rohit is yet to establish his test career, and Ashwin doesn't even find his place regularly in the XI).

Most likely, this would be the team:

Rohit
Rahul
Pujara
Kohli (c)
Rahane
Pant
Jadeja
Ashwin
Shami
Bumrah
Siraj

Only Ashwin will come in, replacing Ishant.

 

[Justcrazy]

Whatever XI England make , India is my favorites. England have to play really good cricket to win the game. The English bowlers have to lift there game

 

[Yasir_ch]

England should win the series 3-1.

India can't win in england even against England C side.

India is just not good enough.

 

[OMB]

Anderson unlikely to haunt Kohli in fourth Test

Veteran England fast bowler could be rested for The Oval Test

India skipper Virat Kohli is unlikely to face his nemesis James Anderson in the fourth Test at The Oval as the veteran England pace bowler could be rested and return only for the fifth Test in Manchester.

Anderson has completed dominated his battle with the Indian captain who has shown great vulnerability outside the off stump in the swinging conditions in England.

But the busy Test schedule might force the England management to rest the 39-year-old Anderson for the fourth Test.

The quick turnaround in the last three Test matches is forcing both the teams to rotate bowlers. While India have already made it clear, the English team could also go that way.

“What I don’t want to do is break them. We’ve got a lot of cricket in front of us. The Tests are coming thick and fast now. Back-to-back, it is difficult,” said England head coach Chris Silverwood to the media while pointing out the workload of his two new-ball bowlers, Anderson and Ollie Robinson.

At the age of 39, Anderson has already bowled more number of overs in the first three Tests than any of the Indian seamers has bowled.

He has bowled 116.3 which is just two balls less than Ollie Robinson (116.5), who has bowled the most in the series.

“These guys are giving everything, every day when we are out on the field and we have got to make sure we are looking after them. But I won’t be making any decisions or judgments right now,” he added.

Anderson though had made it clear prior to the series that he wants to play every Test match in the series. Even though he had niggle in the lead-up to the second Test at Lord’s, he turned up to perform.

He was unplayable in the first innings of the third Test at Headingley.

But considering England have a long summer during the Ashes series Down Under and with Jofra Archer under injury cloud, England may rest Anderson for one of the next two Tests as part of workload management.

With the last Test to be played at Anderson’s home ground at Old Trafford in Manchester from September 10, it is likely that the England team management will play him there rather than at The Oval.

Silverwood, though, admitted it will be hard to convince Anderson to miss the fourth Test.

England also face a problem as their left-arm pace bowler Sam Curran is not performing well and is leaking runs whenever he has been brought on to bowl with the old ball.

He may be replaced by Chris Woakes, who is fit again and has been added to the England squad.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/sport/cricket/anderson-unlikely-to-haunt-kohli-in-fourth-test

 

[James]

As much as he is our ATG and the team’s joint MVP alongside Root, it seems sensible to rest Anderson here and then rotate him back in for the final Test. Robinson and Woakes are more than good enough to share the new ball for England.