Published: Dec 08, 2016, 10:13 AM (IST)
Edited: Dec 08, 2016, 10:13 AM (IST)
Faltering England returned to the field to take on a dominant India in the fourth Test at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. England won the toss and opted to bat first. Both the teams made a couple of changes to their side. India’s Mohammed Shami and Ajinkya Rahane sustained injuries thereby made ways for KL Rahul and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The right-arm seamer returned after an injury layoff, and is playing his first Test since the New Zealand series. England have included uncapped Keaton Jennings for the injured Haseeb Hameed, while Jake Ball returned to the squad to replace Gareth Batty. Jennings, the son of Ray Jennings, was named as County Championship Player of the Year (2016) earned his place in the side afer scoring 1,548 runs last season.
Wriddhiman Saha continued to remain away from action as Parthiv Patel was retained as the wicketkeeper by the hosts. Karun Nair retained his spot in the playing XI as well, playing in place of Rahane. India have taken an unssailable lead of 2-0 against England in the five-Test series with first match ending in draw. Stuart Broad strained his tendon in the second Test and was ruled out for the third. Broad continues to remain out for the fourth Test as well.
Full Cricket Scorecard: India vs England 4th Test at Mumbai
The last time India and England played at Wankhede, the hosts suffered a shocking 10-wicket loss. India suffered the embarrassing defeat despite having the likes of Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar along with current Indian captain Virat Kohli in their ranks. It was Cheteshwar Pujara’s century that saved face for India in the 2012-13 Test, but not the match. Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen’s centuries turned the fortunes for the tourists.
India have so far looked in good shape especially with their spinners ruling the proceedings in the last two Tests. England will hunt for their first victory in the ongoing series while India will aim to clinch the series.
