India is set to make significant changes to its playing XI for the crucial fourth Test against England in Manchester, with Sai Sudarshan likely to return and pacer Anshul Kamboj slated for a Test debut.
A Shuffle at Number Three
The highly anticipated fourth Test will see a familiar face return to India’s batting line-up: Sai Sudarshan. He is expected to reclaim the pivotal number three spot, with Karun Nair likely making way.
This marks the second time in the series that India has altered its No. 3 batsman. Sudarshan initially played in the opening Test at Leeds, while Nair batted lower down the order. Nair then took over the No. 3 position for the second and third Tests.
Sudarshan’s previous outing in the series saw him score 0 and 30 before being dropped for combination reasons, allowing Washington Sundar to come into the side. Meanwhile, Karun Nair’s scores in the series have been 0, 20, 31, 26, 40, and 14.
Interestingly, captain Shubman Gill had previously hinted at persisting with Nair, acknowledging the difficulty of making a comeback. However, a potential rethink, possibly influenced by the pitch conditions or the need for an additional bowling option, seems to have led to this decision.
Forced Changes Bolster Bowling Attack
Beyond the batting reshuffle, two injury-forced changes will bring fresh blood into India’s bowling attack. Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj is set to make his Test debut, stepping in for the injured Akash Deep.
Additionally, Shardul Thakur will replace the injured Nitish Reddy. These changes mean India will continue with its strategy of fielding six bowling options, similar to their approach at Lord’s and Birmingham.
The six-bowler combination will feature all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Shardul Thakur. The specialist pace attack will comprise Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and the debutant Anshul Kamboj.
Sudarshan’s Manchester Preparations
On the eve of the match at Old Trafford, Sai Sudarshan was observed going through a visualization drill despite the pitch being covered. The Tamil Nadu batsman closely examined the greenish-brown surface, a clear indication of his expected return to the playing XI.
The Old Trafford Pitch: A Tale of Two Views
The nature of the Old Trafford pitch has been a subject of debate. Indian captain Shubman Gill and former coach Ravi Shastri both predicted a surface with good bounce and speed.
However, local cricketing experts offered a contrasting perspective. Veteran English international David Bumble Lloyd dismissed the “lively pitch” narrative, describing it as “very, very flat. No pace, no grass.” Former England captain Michael Vaughan echoed this sentiment, suggesting the “pace has gone” from Old Trafford.
- Sai Sudarshan is expected to return to India’s playing XI at number three.
- Anshul Kamboj is set to make his Test debut, replacing injured Akash Deep.
- Shardul Thakur comes in for the injured Nitish Reddy.
- India will continue with a six-bowler strategy for the crucial match.
With a crucial match ahead, India’s revamped lineup will be looking to make a strong statement in Manchester.
