After bouncing back in the crucial third test of the test series, India will eye another win under their belt to keep the series well poised at Southampton. The equation is clear for India, win two tests and the series is yours and for England a draw will ensure that they take the Pataudi trophy.
Match importance
A win for England will seal the series 3-1 for them. An Indian victory will ensure the series is still alive and well poised with all to play in Oval in the last test.
Team News
Jasprit Bumrah made a thunderous return to the Indian team which has made the bowling line-up look more than commendable. Ravichandran Ashwin’s injury has been a concern but the ousted of Kuldeep Yadav indicates that Ashwin’s injury might not be that critical. If he does miss out, Ravindra Jadeja will be the only option left for the team management.
Selectors showed their faith in Hanuma Vihari and young Prithvi Shaw in place of Murali Vijay and Kuldeep Yadav but it looks uncertain that the team management will give opportunity to any of those debutants.
A real “Daredevil” Rishabh Pant is likely to retain his place while there were also discussions on bringing in Umesh in place of Shami, who has picked 8 wickets in 3 test matches. But this change also looks doubtful as Shami has picked up his rhythm at times which always makes him a lethal prospect in England.
England: Several questions are raised on the selection of Alastair Cook who is on the same sphere like Murali Vijay is to India. But Joe Root’s faith in the legendary test cricketer says it all that he is no mood to drop his former captain from the team.
Jonny Bairstow sustained an injury in the last match and it is likely that Jos Buttler will take the keeping gloves and there will be a forced change for England in place of Bairstow.
Pitch report
According to our reporter, the pitch may have some bit of grass on it that will suit the pacers. Traditionally the ground has shorter boundaries and will be a heaven for the fast bowlers.
Weather report
Day 1: Hide and seek of sun with cloudy skies with temperature ranging from 10’c to 20’c.
” 2: Hide and seek of sun with cloudy skies with temperature ranging from 10’c to 20’c.
” 3: A bright sunny day with temperature ranging from 12’c to 22’c
‘ 4: A bright sunny day with temperature ranging from 12’c to 22’c
” 5: Sunny to partly cloudy conditions with the temperature ranginf from 8’c to 21’c.
Unlike the Lords test, the rain is not expected to play a part in Southampton
Match Details
Venue: Rise Bowl, Southampton
Timings: 03:30 PM IST, 11:00 AM (Southampton)
Test Rankings
India– Number 1 in test rankings
England- Number 5 in test rankings
Key Players
India: Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah
England: Joe Root, James Anderson
India vs England 4th test in Southampton- Squads
