#IndiaInEngland: India can win but need to address these issues
What's the story
With the 5-match Test series against England starting from August 1, the Indian cricket team needs to work hard on certain aspects of their game.
Virat Kohli's team will hope to address the issues and get off to a positive start after a loss in the ODI series.
The idea will be to not repeat mistakes seen against South Africa.
Here's more!
Role
The top orders needs to absorb pressure
The key task for Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara will be to fend off the advances of England bowlers with the new ball and absorb the pressure.
Vijay has to do what he does best- leave the ball outside the off-stump.
It was missing against South Africa and low scores followed.
Pujara, at number three, will need to tire down England bowlers.
Slip catching
Slip catching a concern for Kohli and Shastri
India can't afford to drop catches.
Slip catching has been a cause of concern for the Indian skipper and that's where Ajinkya Rahane comes to the fore.
Against South Africa earlier, Indian slip fielders dropped aplenty in the first two Tests, which allowed the hosts to score important runs.
The scenario changed in the final Test, and India made a comeback.
Bowling
Getting the bowling workload right
One feels India should go with three front-line pacers with Hardik Pandya being the fourth bowler.
This will help keep balance amongst them and rotation will be key.
With Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah injured, the three main pacers need to manage the workload well.
R Ashwin will come in as the lone spinner and he should be given a prominent role as well.
Wicket-keeping
Wicket-keeping issues for India with the bat
Wriddhiman Saha never quite scored the runs, expected out of a wicket-keeper batsman, in overseas conditions.
Same goes for Parthiv Patel, who couldn't cash in on the chances against the Proteas.
India have technically sound Dinesh Karthik, this time around.
He needs to score crucial runs in a position where India haven't flourished.
Youngster Rishabh Pant is there too and could make his debut.