Trailing 2-1 in the five-match series of Anderson-Tendulkar trophy against England, Shubman Gill-led India will look to bounce back and keep the series alive when they face Ben Stokes’ England in the fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, starting Wednesday, July 23.
IND Vs ENG Test Series, July 17 Dispatch: Bumrah's Availability Remains Concern; Rain Threat Looms Large At Manchester
IND Vs ENG Test Series, July 17 Dispatch: As anticipation builds for the fourth Test in Manchester, India’s hopes of levelling the series could hinge on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability. Captain Shubman Gill remained tight-lipped, only saying, “You’ll get to know soon,” when pressed for an update. Despite a minor ankle issue in the previous game, Bumrah showed no signs of discomfort, claiming seven wickets and playing a crucial supporting role with the bat during India’s narrow 22-run defeat
With both teams delivering high-intensity contests across the first three games, the stage is set for another fiercely contested battle in what has become a headline Test rivalry.
Momentum With England As India Look To Regroup
After India’s thumping 336-run win in Birmingham in the second Test, England struck back strongly. The hosts sealed a five-wicket win in the opening Test and then edged India by 22 runs at Lord’s, thanks to key contributions from Joe Root and their pace attack.
India came agonizingly close in the third Test, failing to chase 193 after middle-order collapses and a late fightback from Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj.
Siraj Leads The Wickets Chart
Mohammed Siraj has emerged as India's bowling spearhead in the series, with 13 wickets, including a five-for. Jasprit Bumrah, who picked up five wickets in the Lord’s Test, is second with 12.
At the pre-match training session in Beckenham, Siraj, Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, and Prasidh Krishna were all seen fine-tuning their bowling. Prasidh, who featured in the first two Tests, was dropped after lacklustre performances and will be keen to make a comeback.
Moeen Ali On Shubman Gill: “Very Similar to Virat”
Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali weighed in on Shubman Gill’s combative on-field behaviour, likening it to Virat Kohli’s intensity. “He’s just trying to be competitive… very similar to Virat,” Moeen said. “But what you’ve done is brought out the best of England and the beast they can be. It’s great for the series.”
Gill, who had a quiet outing at Lord’s, has slipped in the ICC rankings from No. 6 to No. 9 in the Test batting chart.
Ravindra Jadeja Earns Praise For Batting
Jadeja, who hit half-centuries in both innings at Lord’s, drew praise from Moeen as well. “I think he’s done it for many years. He’s been amazing with the bat this series,” Moeen said. While Jadeja’s bowling has not been as effective, his batting has been crucial in giving India resistance lower down the order.
ICC Rankings: Root Regains Top Spot, Jaiswal Drops
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Joe Root reclaimed the No. 1 spot in ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings with scores of 104 and 40 at Lord’s. Harry Brook, who briefly displaced him, dropped to third. Kane Williamson now sits second. Among Indians, KL Rahul and Jadeja rose to No. 34 and 35 respectively after their gritty efforts.
Rishabh Pant, despite a solid 74, dropped to No. 8. On the bowling charts, Bumrah continues to lead globally. Australia’s Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland made upward moves following their performances against West Indies.
Rain A Factor And Fitness in Focus
The Manchester weather could again play a role, and the Indian camp is working hard to stay sharp. Football warm-ups and light mobility sessions were seen before bowling and batting drills at practice. With questions over the batting consistency and bowling support, India will hope to find their best XI in time.
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