England have their backs against the wall after capitulating in the third Test to give India the series lead.
The sides head to Ranchi next for the third Test.
Ben Stokes of England (Pic – EPA/Dan Himbrechts)
India v England – Third Test
23 – 27 February
Jharkand State Cricket Association Stadium, Ranchi
India have responded well to being put under pressure, and they have also seen some younger players come to the fore.
The Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium in Ranchi will host just its third Test match and it will be the first time England play at the venue in the ultimate format.
To Win Match: India 9/20 | Draw 15/2 | England 11/4
India haven’t felt the absence of Virat Kohli too severely thanks to the stunning form of Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Jaiswal has already passed 500 runs in this series with no other batter breaking the 300 runs mark just yet. His hot streak should continue in Ranchi.
Jasprit Bumrah has been the slightly surprising lead strike bowler in this series with England doing better against the spinners than expected but struggling to keep out the world-class quick.
Ravindra Jadeja has also made key interventions with bat and ball on top of still being an excellent fielder and he could be a candidate for man of the series behind Jaiswal and Bumrah.
England have struggled with inconsistency and their inability to bat long which isn’t helped by their adherence to the Bazball principles that keep dividing opinions.
Ben Duckett has enjoyed a good series powered by his ability to attack spin, but he hasn’t done enough to turn matches in England’s favour.
England’s spinners have done well with Tom Hartley picking up wickets regularly.
Skipper Ben Stokes needs to refine his options when in the field to get the most out of his bowling attack and read the game a little better.
Verdict: India 9/20
On a ground where England have yet to play a Test, India should get the job done and seal the series in the process.
