Overview
With the Test series leveled at 1-1, one should not expect any lack in intensity from any of the sides. An unsettled Indian team will look forward to making amends for their poor show at the Ageas Bowl while England will look to capitalize on their new found form with their batting heavyweights coming to the party.
India had 13 double digit scores in the previous test and had a dismal show with the ball. With Bhuvi not looking in the best fitness, India’s batting woes seem more fixable than the bowling since the major dismissals were made by part-timer Moeen Ali. Fielding needs a new dimension altogether and needs to complement the bowling. The slip fielding and in-ring catching needs to improve in order to provide crucial breakthroughs.
The challenge for Alastair Cook’s team will be to replicate their flawless efforts at Ageas Bowl. A second performance of such magnitude would be proof that the first one – which ended a winless run of 10 Tests – was not merely happenstance. England have not won successive Tests or a series since the summer of 2013, and this is their last opportunity to score a victory until after the 2015 World Cup.