India is disappointed after a 22 run loss to England at Lord’s Cricket Ground in the third Test. England now leads the five match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 2-1, so India needs to win the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester from July 23 to 27.
To come back strong the team might make some changes to the playing XI after the loss to England. Here’s a look:
1. Time up for Karun Nair?
Karun Nair hasn’t performed well in the series so far. As a top order batsman he was expected to convert good starts into big scores but that hasn’t happened. In 6 innings he has scored 131 runs at an average of 21.83 which is not good enough for a number 3 batsman.
Karun might be replaced by Sai Sudharsan, a young batsman with potential. Even though Sai had a shaky start in the first Test scoring a duck and then 30 runs, he has shown promise in domestic cricket and is known for his steady batting. The team might think it’s time to give him another chance.
2. Washington Sundar or Nitish Reddy who can be benched?
India has been playing with all rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar. Both have contributed when given chances but their consistency with the bat is questionable.
Sundar had the best bowling performance by an Indian spinner at Lord’s in the 21st century, taking 4 wickets for 22 runs. Once thought to be R Ashwin’s successor, he has also scored some runs down the order in earlier games. Because of his bowling form he is likely to keep his spot.
Reddy though hasn’t converted his starts into big scores. In the last 4 innings he has scored only 45 runs. His bowling hasn’t made up for it. So it may be better to replace him with Shardul Thakur who has more experience in England and can swing the ball better in those conditions.
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Even with the loss India won’t make too many changes since the margin for mistakes was small. BCCI values stability and might stick with the current group of all rounders hoping they find their form in the 4th Test so the series can go to a final match.
India’s Playing XI vs England
Yashasvi, KL, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman, Rishabh, Jadeja, Reddy, Sundar, Bumrah, Akash, Siraj
