By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts Cookies Policy.
India vs England, 4th Test Match: 9 Strategies that India can implement to defeat England at Old Trafford
Let’s have a look at the 9 strategies that can be adopted by Indian team to trounce England at Old Trafford
With the fourth India – England test all set to begin at Manchester, neither team would be looking to give even an inch considering what transpired in the last 10 days in Anderson-Jadeja saga. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni who put his foot down off the field needs to make amend for his lack of runs on the field. For he will be judged by the number of runs he scores and the victories under his belt and not by what he said on code of conduct hearings. It is also time for team India to stand up and be counted after what all has been written in the English media over the last seven days. The British media can only see saint in Mr. Anderson and nothing else! There could be no better time to get even with the serial abuser, James Anderson than the 4th Test match at Old Trafford.
Let’s have a look at the 9 strategies that can be adopted by Indian team to trounce England at Old Trafford –
1. Steady Opening Partnership – This will be the stepping stone for the 4th test. First and foremost, the team has to get the selection right and draft in Gautam Gambhir in place of out of form Dhawan. Gambhir will complement Vijay well, who looks at tiring the fast bowlers up front. A stand of 100 runs will lay a solid foundation and will take the sting out of Broad and Co.
2. Big First Innings Score – If India is batting first they should be looking to score a minimum of 450 plus to give their bowlers a good score to bowl at. A decent opening will surely be a great platform for building a big first innings score. In case India bats second, they should try and take a lead of minimum 150 runs to put pressure on the English batting which lacks experience and can easily crumble under pressure.
3. Attack with New Ball – With Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowling close to an hour on nets on the eve of the match, Indian fast bowling looks in good shape. The three fast bowlers for India in this match could be Bhuvneshwar, Mohammed Sami and Varun Aaron, who is also set to replace Pankaj Singh. Pankaj will be extremely unlucky to miss out, however his chances will come considering the long tour of Australia coming up. India should go hard at England first up and should try and knock off Cook early in his innings. It’s time for Sami to prove his worth!
4. Play 5 Bowlers – India should go into the match with 5 bowlers with Rohit Sharma making way for Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin who is a decent batsman will add variety to Indian bowling attack which has been lacking the X-factor. Also considering the number of left handers in the English line up, he will be a great addition to the team.
5. Execute Reverse Swing – With the pitch expected to assist spin, Indians should try and execute reverse swing especially in the second innings of the match. They should be looking to work on the bowl and Sami and Co should be able to extract some reverse swing. Varun could be handful considering his pace!
6. Frustrate with Spinners – In case of partnership which is bound to happen at some stage of the game, the Indians should just look to dry up the runs with spinners. After the pathetic display at Southampton, Ravindra Jadeja should be looking to bowl at good areas and complement Ashwin. Ashwin-Jadeja combo can frustrate the England batters and can compel them to commit mistakes.
7. Bowl on one Side – The team should be looking to bowl at one side of the wicket. Executing the bowling plan well on the field will be the key to India’s success at Manchester.
8. Precise Catching – Catches win matches! And this saying is ever so true for the current Indian team who dropped several catches in the 3rd test match. For India to go ahead by 2-1, they’ll not only have to take all the catches that come their way but also have to convert half chances. To begin with, they can get their slip cordon right with Gambhir and Rahane at first and second slip respectively.
9. Counter the Sledging– Last but not the least; Indians should not be mere spectators of England’s sledging tactics on field. Though sledging is not good for the game of Cricket, it seems the administrators including the umpires, match referee – David Boon and even the cameras on players’ dressing rooms corridor go blind when it comes to ill behavior of England players. It was not only Anderson who has been playing dirty in this series but also Broad. His appeals are just senseless and he keeps asking for everything on his favour. If one has to go by Broad’s standard, India might end up batting twice in a session. Its time India takes on England head on!
Also Read:
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Sports News on India.com.