I cannot wait for the third Test to start in this epic series as both sides return to the action in
Rajkot after a short break. They must be fresh and ready. The Indian players must have got reenergised after spending quality time with families at home and England players decided to hop
back to Abu Dhabi to regroup and do some relaxation activities and spent time with their
families. The rest period is now over, and it is time for the cricket action to resume.
How to face Bumrah? A new problem for England in India
England find themselves in an interesting position here ahead of the third Test. Ideally, after two
Tests in India, the concern within the England camp is how to tackle spin and score runs against
the likes of R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja on the Indian pitches. However, here, the irony is that the
focus of attention in the England camp is not spin but a pacer in the form of Jasprit Bumrah. The
way he has bowled in this series so far has been nothing short of exceptional. His form has been
irresistible. It will be fascinating to see how different England players come up with what ways
to try and cope with Bumrah.
Facing Bumrah is difficult to pick up. His release point is so late, allied to his raw pace he
hurries you. It is very difficult to pick the ball when it is reversing. Not to forget that this is not
extravagant reverse-swing with Bumrah but it is just enough to cause all the trouble. That is his
expertise and skill.
Bumrah’s reverse-swing has caused a lot of problems, and I am interested to see how they go
about tackling it. One way could be to just make minor adjustment to where they stand in the
crease while facing Bumrah. When it is reverse swinging, one thing you want to avoid as a batter
is becoming a static target. The bowler then can hit a certain spot on the pitch, which can cause
great problems. If you are doing smart, minor adjustments at the crease, you might get Bumrah
to adjust his line and length every other ball. That might just be enough to make Bumrah a little
less consistent. In this way, you are asking questions to him rather than him asking you many.
Whether batters make any sort of adjustment in the upcoming Test will be interesting to see.
Watch out for Joe Root
Joe Root has not had a major part to play in this series so far, but I still maintain that if England
are to win the series from this position (a possibility after seeing how the first two games have
panned out), Root must be the main batter. He is the best batter in the side and while he has been
quiet so far, I expect him to make some major contributions in the remaining matches.
The break between the Tests have come at a good time for most players but more so for Root. It
will almost feel like a fresh series is starting for him.
How will the Rajkot pitch play?
England have got good memories of this ground. They played here in 2016 and did well, almost
winning the Test. Root scored a hundred, and so did Ben Stokes. Many players in the England
side have good memories from this ground. It is not ideal for Jack Leach to be out injured.
However, the way the young spinners – Shoaib Bashir, Tom Hartley and Rehan Ahmed – have
bowled, there is enough encouragement there that England will be continuing with these three
options depending upon the conditions. I reckon England may play two pacers. It might mean
Rehan missing out but if the pitch does little for the spinners, then he would be a good addition
on a flat pitch with the variety that he brings. But one feels for Leach. He has had several issues,
health and injury wise, and we hope the best for him.
It will be interesting to see how the pitch plays as far as England are concerned. I said in the last
article too that India would benefit more from the flatter pitches, and it turned out to be that way
in Vizag. That was a pitch that helped Bumrah and James Anderson more than the spinners. I
feel if you are playing on rank turners, it will bring England more into the contest. The last time
India hosted England in Rajkot, it was a flat surface. But that was a long time ago.
No Kohli and Rahul or Iyer but India still look good as batting unit
India have a good batting lineup even with some players missing. KL Rahul will not play but
Ravindra Jadeja comes in to bat at number 6 or 7 which will boost the batting unit. Shreyas Iyer
misses out too and I feel Rajat Patidar will continue in that middle order. It is a shame for cricket
lovers and Virat Kohli that he will miss out on the whole series. But we wish him well and hope
he is back sooner in the Indian colours.
Encouraging signs for India at the top of the batting order with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman
Gill among runs. However, the focus will also be on Rohit Sharma as the skipper needs some big
runs.
I think both sides will be looking to rack up the big scores. We have seen batters get into the
groove, score 20s or 30s and get out. There have been individual brilliances but both teams will
be looking to build big totals on the board. Rohit will feel he is due for a big score. He has
looked in decent form so far. I will stick with KS Bharat as wicketkeeper/batter for this Test
despite his keeping and batting getting heavily criticised. Mohammed Siraj may come back into
the playing 11. I don’t think India will make any changes until unless forced by injuries.
I know that Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin will most probably be back bowling together, but I
still would like to play Axar Patel. If India feel that there is enough spin on the track, with the
extra batting cushion he provides, I think Axar is a good addition to any Indian Test match side.
Ben Stokes, a true leader and champion, plays his 100th Test
Ben Stokes has become a colossus of the English game, a precociously talented youngster who
has risen to every challenge. Difficult moments, both off the pitch and on, have driven him to
excellence, particularly when the team needs him most. His team follows him unconditionally;
he leads with authority and empathy. He understands the game and the challenges it faces and
has a good appreciation of the role the players represent in that journey. In summary, he deserves
the highest praise as a player, a teammate, and a leader. Not too many in our great sport have
made such a dramatic influence over so many years of this much-loved game.
