The Indian team is set to clash with England in the fourth match of the enthralling five-match Test series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi on February 23, at 9:30 AM IST. The hosts currently lead 2-1 after an emphatic victory in Rajkot, where they outclassed England by a staggering margin of 434 runs.
The JSCA has witnessed some remarkable cricketing moments in the past. In 2017, a thrilling draw unfolded between India and Australia, while in 2019, India dominated South Africa, securing victory by an innings and 202 runs. The skipper Rohit Sharma holds fond memories at this venue, having notched his maiden Test double hundred here in 2019.
Ravindra Jadeja emerges as a crucial figure on this ground, having delivered standout performances in the past, with two half-centuries and 12 wickets to his name.
The pitch traditionally favours spinners, which could play into the hands of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin. India’s batting lineup, led by the dynamic youngsters, has been in exceptional form. Yashasvi Jaiswal has made a dream start to his Test career, scoring consecutive double centuries, and aims to carve his name in the record books as the first Indian left-hander to achieve three consecutive double tons. Sarfaraz Khan has also made a memorable debut, contributing with crucial half-centuries.
However, India face challenges with KL Rahul sidelined due to injury and Jasprit Bumrah rested.
India may consider Axar Patel, aiming to capitalize on Patel’s left-arm spin and bolster their batting lineup. Patel, who featured in the first two Tests, offers a stump-to-stump spin that could prove invaluable on a turning track. However, the inclusion of four spinners might pose a tactical risk.
With three top-tier spin options available, India may opt to maintain their two-seamer strategy to ensure flexibility. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep emerge as the frontline pace bowlers for the forthcoming Test.
On the other hand, England aim to bounce back and level the series. Despite inconsistent performances, players like Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes have shown promise with the bat. The opening pair of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett has provided solid starts, but the middle order comprising Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, and Ben Foakes needs to step up. Spinners Rehan Ahmed and Tom Hartley pose a threat to the Indian batting lineup, with impressive performances in recent matches.
The anticipation is high as England assessed the pitch conditions two days ahead of the match. Surprised by the early emergence of cracks, they are bracing for a significant turn right from the outset, with the prospect of variable bounce looming large as the game progresses.
Ollie Pope, England’s vice-captain, said, “There’s a lot of cracks. It’s very platey, and they’ve just wetted it as well, which generally dries it up. It doesn’t necessarily look like a belting wicket at the moment. It kind of looks like one half is good, and then there are a lot of platey cracks. That’s how we see it at the minute. I think we will see what happens tomorrow after the Indian team has looked at the wicket, then make a decision from there.
“At the minute, it looks like batting from the far end, it’s outside the right-hander’s off stump and then from this end, the left-hander’s off-stump. It just looks like it’s down the wicket, it’s kind of plated on one side and then the other side looks like a pretty good wicket
There are crucial decisions to be made regarding team composition and strategy. Ollie Robinson could make a return, providing a fresh burst of energy to the squad, likely leading to Mark Wood being rested. This leaves the English skipper and head coach Brendon McCullum to think over the inclusion of off-spinner Shoaib Bashir in place of veteran seamer James Anderson.
Probable Indian Lineup: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Mohammed Siraj.
Probable English Lineup: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, Ollie Robinson/Shoaib Bashir.
Head-to-Head:
In 134 Test encounters, England secured 51 victories, while India emerged victorious 33 times. Additionally, 50 matches have ended in draws.