While India leads 2-1 in the ongoing four-Test series against England for the Anthony de Mello Trophy, it all comes down to the final Test, set to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from Thursday. The Test would be India's last chance to snatch the final spot in the continuing ICC World Test Championship.As of now, India needs a win or a draw to seal its place. Meanwhile, with England already out of the race, it would look to spoil India's party and the latter's bid for the WTC final. Nevertheless, lots to look out for as we present the final Ahmedabad Test's preview before the focus shifts to the limited-overs commitments.
undefined
Current formCurrently, India has the edge, as it leads the four-Test series. Although the momentum is undoubtedly with the host right now, taking it out, both sides have had a glorious ride. While the visitor managed a 2-0 clean sweep in Sri Lanka, it has struggled against India's likes in India. As for the host, it is coming off a terrific ride in Australia, retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a 2-1 win.
undefined
Team composition and combinationAs for the squads, India has a batting-heavy side, with as many as 13 batsmen, while the bowling attack consists of just eight guns. However, it is baffling to see the Indian bowlers, especially the spinners gaining more success than its batsmen. Nonetheless, things are likely to remain the same for the final Test.It is more or less balanced or can be said tide batting-heavy for England, with ten batsmen and nine bowlers. While England's case, too, has been similar to that of India, with spinners tasting more success than the batsmen, it faces an uphill task in all departments to restore the pride in the side and drawing the series.
undefined
Injury concernsIn good news, none of the sides has injury concerns. Furthermore, the return of Indian pacer Umesh Yadav is terrific news for the host. Nonetheless, pacer Jasprit Bumrah missing out due to personal reasons might just prove to be costly.
undefined
Head-to-headConsidering the head-on clashes between the sides, England maintains the traditional lead, having won 48 of the 125 Tests, while India has won 28. As for the matches in India, the host has won 21 from 63, while the visitor has won 14. In Ahmedabad, of the three Tests between the sides, India has won two, while England still eyes its maiden win.
undefined
Weather and pitch reportAs for the weather in England, the temperature is likely to stay between 37-38 degrees, with a clear sky. Meanwhile, the pitch drew immense criticisms for being a rank-turner, as the previous day-night game saw the tie getting wrapped up within just a couple of days. Nonetheless, it is likely to be batting-friendly for this tie, with spinners having a marginal advantage.(Image courtesy: BCCI)
undefined
Probable XIIndia: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed SirajUmesh YadavHardik Pandya and Ishant Sharma.England: Dominic SibleyDaniel Lawrence, Zak Crawley, Joe Root (c), Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes (wk), Ollie Pope, Dom Bess, Jack Leach, Jofra Archer and James AndersonStuart Broad.
undefined
Fantasy XIBatsmen: Rohit, Pope, Lawrence- Rohit and Lawrence can give the start, while Pope can stabilise the top-order.Wicketkeeper: Pant- He happens to be the only guy who fits well in the department, as he can fire it with the bat when needed.All-rounders: Axar, Ashwin, Root, Stokes- Root can come in handy with the ball, while he is a reliable top-order batsman as well. Also, Stokes can give stability with the bat in the middle-order, besides his prominent pace bowling. Meanwhile, Axar and Ashwin are sure to nail it with their spin.Bowlers: Ishant, Bess, Leach- Ishant happens to be the only specialised pacer for his consistency, while Bess and Leach are sure to make an impact with their spin.
undefined
Players to watch outKohli: The skipper is yet to play a big knock and, most importantly, score a century. The management would be severely backing him to come up with one in this tie.Ashwin: The all-rounder is known for his lethal off-spins, besides his reliable batting. Having terrorised Australia and England so far, he would be backed once again to do the same in this final game.Axar: Fellow all-rounder and Ashwin's deputy, Axar was a masterclass in the last game. Furthermore, with this being his local ground, he is once again a favourite to nail it with his spins.Root: The English skipper is one of the best with the bat in the world. However, he can come in handy with his spins and was evident in the last game. The English management will back him all the way.
undefined
Match detailsDate and day: March 4-8, 2021 (Thursday-Monday)Venue: Sardar Patel (Motera) Stadium, AhmedabadTime: 9:30 AM ISTWhere to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)Where to watch (Online): Hotstar
undefined