#IndiaInEngland: All you need to know about the 4th Test
India will be out to stay alive in the series when they lock horns with England in the fourth Test match at Southampton, starting Thursday. India lost the first two matches to go down 0-2 in the 5-match series, before bouncing back and winning at Nottingham. In-form skipper Virat Kohli will want a similar attitude against the Englishmen, who will offer tremendous resistance.
Ashwin will hope to recover well in time
Premier off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin is battling a groin injury and could miss out if he is unable to prove his fitness. As per reports, the Indian management will be monitoring him during the training sessions and decide on that basis. Ashwin suffered an injury during the third Test and couldn't quite get a grip on his bowling. Ravindra Jadeja could come in for Ashwin.
Vihari, Shaw unlikely to be called upon
Vihari and Prithvi Shaw were called up for the remainder of the series replacing Murali Vijay and Kuldeep Yadav. The two promising young guns are not likely to feature in the fourth Test. India are expected to go in with the same side which won at Nottingham. Jadeja can only be the one change, in case Ashwin is not declared fit for the match.
Vince likely to feature for England
For England, James Vince might get a look in after he was included in the squad. He could replace the injured Jonny Bairstow in the middle-order. It would mean Jos Buttler taking on the role of the keeper. Vince needs to grab the opportunity and provide solidity in the middle-order. All eyes will be on how Joe Root's side comes out and bats.
Stat attack: England vs India, 4th Test
Ishant Sharma needs one wicket to reach the 250-mark feat in Tests. He is line to become the seventh Indian bowler to reach this figure. James Anderson (557) needs six more wickets to equal Glenn McGrath in Test career scalps. Kohli's tryst with records is set to continue as he is only 6 short (5,994) of going past 6,000-run mark in Test cricket.
Players to watch out for
Ben Stokes will be a key figure for England and if he can replicate the bowling form like he did in the first Test, England will enjoy an advantage. Veteran Anderson will be England's main weapon with the new ball. For India, Kohli will be aiming to continue his red-hot form with the willow. For India, Ishant and Bumrah hold the key.
Key focus: 4th Test
The focus will mainly lie on both India and England's middle-order. England have been vulnerable there and India, too, were clueless in the first two Tests. The runs from the top 4 or 5 will determine how the Test unfolds. Another key ingredient will be the consistency offered by the bowlers. Will they be able to pitch the ball in the right areas unfailingly?
When and where to watch the match?
The match will start at 3:30 PM IST on Thursday at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. One can watch the match live on the Sony Ten Network. It can be streamed live on the Sony LIV app as well.
