After the humbling India received in the third Test in Southampton, the scene now shifts to Old Trafford, Manchester, where the fourth Test starts today. The five-match test series stands level at 1-1. In eight attempts since 1936, India has never beaten England at Old Trafford. It has drawn five matches at this ground and lost three. Can India finally end the 78-year wait?
However, with the prospect of a flat pitch, both teams might be left slightly disappointed. Dhoni and company are struggling to find any kind of momentum after their crushing 266-run loss in the third test. The recent verdict by cricket's governing body, the International Cricket Council, on the Ravindra Jadeja-James Anderson spat earlier in the series has also added to Team India's woes. The English fast bowler was declared not guilty after an inquiry.
India needs a quick turnaround
Team India’s fielding standards through the series has left fans disappointed. They have been abysmal in the slip cordon, with catches dropped at key intervals. An improvement in this regard is necessary. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has some tough calls to make. Calls have been made from various quarters to drop out-of-form players and bring in those who have warmed the bench.
There might be a few changes in the side since Shikhar Dhawan’s poor form is not going away. The southpaw has not crossed the 50-run mark in seven innings. An experienced head in Gautam Gambhir might make a comeback into the squad. India may also include Ravichandran Ashwin. Even Virat Kohli’s inadequate form has been a cause for concern. “Virat Kohli has gone six Test innings without a half century; he recorded five in his nine innings immediately before this run,” says OptaJim, a statistics portal dedicated to cricket.
The only positive for India is the Ajinkya Rahane’s form. He has an average of 58.3 in overseas Tests, which is the highest for any current team Indian batsmen. The last question is whether or not Pankaj Sharma will continue in the place of the injured Ishant Sharma. He finished with match figures of 0 for 179, the most expensive debut without a wicket in Test history.
The dust from the fight between Ravindra Jadeja and James Anderson refuses to die down. It all happened when Anderson and Jadeja, who was batting at the time, exchanged words as the players left the field before lunch during the first test at Trent Bridge. According to a report on ESPNCricinfo, “...Anderson admitted to having continuously abused Jadeja, pushing him and acting in breach of the spirit of cricket. He also threatened to break Jadeja's teeth, the Board of Control for Cricket in India's counsel contended while appealing the sentence earlier handed to Jadeja by match referee David Boon.” The ICC has declared Anderson not guilty. On Wednesday, the Indian body clarified that it will not appeal against the decision.
On Monday came allegations that Mahendra Singh Dhoni had scuppered peace talks during the second Test at Lord’s. Dhoni has been pressing for a case against Anderson since the incident occurred. According to the Mirror, Dhoni told Anderson that if he went near the Indian dressing room he would "squeeze the life out of him".
The Indian management and especially Dhoni are not at all pleased with the verdict and have said that the ICC has a lot to answer in this case. Many in the media are asking whether Dhoni overstepped the line with his insistence on a verdict against Anderson. These are battles within battles. However, Captain Dhoni will look to win the one on the pitch.
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However, with the prospect of a flat pitch, both teams might be left slightly disappointed. Dhoni and company are struggling to find any kind of momentum after their crushing 266-run loss in the third test. The recent verdict by cricket's governing body, the International Cricket Council, on the Ravindra Jadeja-James Anderson spat earlier in the series has also added to Team India's woes. The English fast bowler was declared not guilty after an inquiry.
India needs a quick turnaround
Team India’s fielding standards through the series has left fans disappointed. They have been abysmal in the slip cordon, with catches dropped at key intervals. An improvement in this regard is necessary. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has some tough calls to make. Calls have been made from various quarters to drop out-of-form players and bring in those who have warmed the bench.
There might be a few changes in the side since Shikhar Dhawan’s poor form is not going away. The southpaw has not crossed the 50-run mark in seven innings. An experienced head in Gautam Gambhir might make a comeback into the squad. India may also include Ravichandran Ashwin. Even Virat Kohli’s inadequate form has been a cause for concern. “Virat Kohli has gone six Test innings without a half century; he recorded five in his nine innings immediately before this run,” says OptaJim, a statistics portal dedicated to cricket.
The only positive for India is the Ajinkya Rahane’s form. He has an average of 58.3 in overseas Tests, which is the highest for any current team Indian batsmen. The last question is whether or not Pankaj Sharma will continue in the place of the injured Ishant Sharma. He finished with match figures of 0 for 179, the most expensive debut without a wicket in Test history.
Ravindra Jadeja-James Anderson fight
(Ian Kington/AFP)
The dust from the fight between Ravindra Jadeja and James Anderson refuses to die down. It all happened when Anderson and Jadeja, who was batting at the time, exchanged words as the players left the field before lunch during the first test at Trent Bridge. According to a report on ESPNCricinfo, “...Anderson admitted to having continuously abused Jadeja, pushing him and acting in breach of the spirit of cricket. He also threatened to break Jadeja's teeth, the Board of Control for Cricket in India's counsel contended while appealing the sentence earlier handed to Jadeja by match referee David Boon.” The ICC has declared Anderson not guilty. On Wednesday, the Indian body clarified that it will not appeal against the decision.
On Monday came allegations that Mahendra Singh Dhoni had scuppered peace talks during the second Test at Lord’s. Dhoni has been pressing for a case against Anderson since the incident occurred. According to the Mirror, Dhoni told Anderson that if he went near the Indian dressing room he would "squeeze the life out of him".
The Indian management and especially Dhoni are not at all pleased with the verdict and have said that the ICC has a lot to answer in this case. Many in the media are asking whether Dhoni overstepped the line with his insistence on a verdict against Anderson. These are battles within battles. However, Captain Dhoni will look to win the one on the pitch.