IND vs ENG, 4th Test: India Eye 17th Straight Home Series Win as Visitors Battle ‘Bazball’ Backlash

Ranchi: India stand on the cusp of a 17th consecutive home Test series win, but a depleted bowling attack and England’s unpredictable “Bazball” approach add intrigue to the crucial fourth Test in Ranchi.

Despite missing key players like Kohli and Rahul, India’s batting has impressed. Jaiswal’s 545 runs and Sarfaraz Khan’s debut 62 showcase a smooth generational transition.

India’s bowling spearhead Bumrah is rested, leaving Mohammed Siraj as the sole experienced pacer. Mukesh Kumar or debutant Akash Deep could fill the second seamer’s slot.

India are expected to stick with Ashwin, Yadav and Jadeja, while England will field Shoaib Bashir alongside Tom Hartley. Joe Root remains a part-time spin option.

For England, their aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach has faced criticism after a record defeat in Rajkot. Despite early success against other teams, England’s approach seems to have met its match in India.

Captain Ben Stokes’s expedited rehab from a knee injury indicates the team’s desperation for solutions, while James Anderson will once again lead the pace attack alongside Ollie Robinson, replacing Mark Wood.

The Ranchi pitch traditionally offers support for batting in the initial days before assisting spinners from day three onwards. With the series hanging in balance, both teams are gearing up for a crucial showdown.

India (Probable XI): Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar/Akash Deep.

England (Playing XI): Ben Stokes (c), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Shoaib Bashir, Ben Foakes (wk), Tom Hartley, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson.