As expected, the generous amount of grass on the surface at the Niranjan Shah Stadium has been shaved off, setting the stage for what could be a flat track which offers slow turn. This has turned out to be one of the most exciting series between the two sides in recent times and Rajkot is expected to continue in the same vein. Resuming after an eight-day break, the series, currently locked at 1-1, could see more twists and turns before it ends in Dharamsala with the fifth and final Test.
The match assumes huge significance for two stalwarts, Ben Stokes and Ravichandran Ashwin. England skipper Ben Stokes, who is credited with changing the language of England’s approach to Test cricket, is set to play in his landmark 100th Test. India’s off-spin maestro R Ashwin is on the cusp of his 500th Test wicket, having taken 499 in a decorated career so far. Stokes already has happy memories of this venue, having scored 128 in a drawn first Test here in 2016.
On the eve of the Test, India head coach Rahul Dravid and chief selector Ajit Agarkar were seen involved in a deep discussion at the India nets. Blooding rookies against a fearless, formidable opponent isn’t a preferable situation, but with key players ruled out due to injuries or unavailability, India have been left with few options but to try those who have impressed in the domestic circuit.
Over the next five days or less, the world will see how India’s most inexperienced middle-order in a long time, which is missing former India captain Virat Kohli in this series and KL Rahul for this match, performs against the likes of James Anderson, Mark Wood (England have chosen to play two pacers, dropping off-spinner Shoaib Bashir), Tom Hartley, Rehan Ahmed and Joe Root, with each bowler presenting a different challenge. This match could finally end the long wait for domestic run-machine Sarfaraz Khan. Having broken into the team after amassing 3912 runs in 45 first-class matches at an average of 69.85, in a tally that includes 14 centuries and 11 fifties, Sarfaraz knows that he has to make this rare opportunity count. After all, Rahul, out due to a quadriceps injury, could be back for the next Test in Ranchi.
Another middle-order rookie, Rajat Patidar, who made 32 and 9 on his Test debut in Vizag, too would want to cash in. Behind the stumps, Dhruv Jurel, who has averaged 46.47 in 15 first-class matches while playing for UP, too is likely to wear the India Test shirt for the first time. The unavailability of Ishan Kishan and KS Bharat’s struggles has presented the 23-year-old with a huge opportunity.
In this scenario, India will again bank on their best batter in the series, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and their best bowler, pace ace Jasprit Bumrah, to fire hard. Bumrah’s regular pace partner Mohammed Siraj too is expected to be back.
