As the gripping cricket series between England and India intensifies, England’s team management weighs the prospect of significant alterations to their bowling lineup. Currently behind 2-1 in the series, the English side may revisit their earlier one-pacer strategy for the upcoming fourth Test in Ranchi—a stark contrast to their double-seam tactic used in Rajkot, which led to a substantial 434-run defeat.
In their Rajkot encounter, England fielded both Mark Wood and James Anderson. This marked the first occasion in the series where they deployed two seamers, a choice that did not pan out as intended. In contrast, the first two Tests saw England employing a single pace bowler, complemented by a trio of spinners and the part-time off-breaks of Captain Joe Root.
Emerging reports from ESPNCricinfo indicate that Ollie Robinson might be the bowler selected to lead England’s pace attack in Ranchi. Though Robinson has yet to participate in the current series, his last competitive outing at Headingley during the Ashes back in July showcased his capabilities. Since then, he has been effectively on standby, awaiting his opportunity to shine on Indian soil.
The possibility of playing just one specialist seamer is given credence by the early assessment of the JSCA International Stadium’s pitch two days before the play. Its condition suggests that spin bowling could become a critical factor as the match progresses. Moreover, should Ben Stokes resume his dual role as a full-fledged all-rounder, it may allow the team to rest Anderson and potentially introduce Shoaib Bashir to bolster the spin department.
Ollie Pope, one of England’s promising talents, provided an in-depth analysis of the Ranchi pitch conditions. He commented on the observable cracks and unevenness, noting that while parts of the pitch look promising, an array of “platey” cracks raise concerns over its true nature. Pope believes the pitch’s behavior could differ significantly from one end to the other, presenting unique challenges for the batsmen.
Stokes has expressed the likelihood of his return to bowling duties in the final two Tests of the series, despite an earlier commitment, symbolized through a playful ‘pinky promise’ with team physio Ben Davies, to refrain from bowling throughout the series. Pope confirmed the potential shift in Stokes’ role, revealing that although Stokes hasn’t made an official declaration within the squad, he actively bowled in the nets. Pope is mindful of Stokes’ fierce determination when in possession of the ball, but he also mentioned the importance of Stokes managing any physical implications associated with returning to bowling.
The prospect of Ollie Robinson’s inclusion and a possible reshuffle that sees a reduction in pace representation raises intriguing questions. If England opts for a composition that heavily favors spin, will it prove to be a masterstroke on what may be a turn-friendly Ranchi track, or will it be a gamble that India’s batsmen are ready to exploit? The answer lies in how well England can integrate their resources and adapt their game plan to counter India’s known strengths.
The chess match between the teams’ strategists, alongside the players’ execution of those plans on the field, could very well dictate the trajectory of this fiercely contested series. As England grapples with their decisions, the anticipation rises for a Test match that could pivot the series’ direction, with both sides seeking to assert their dominance in this age-old cricketing rivalry.
