The fourth Test of the series between India and England starts in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
The home side’s remarkable win within two days at the same ground last week mean’s they hold a 2-1 advantage ahead of the last match.
They therefore have an unassailable lead in this series, but there is still plenty riding on the outcome of the game at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Permutations
New Zealand are guaranteed a place in the inaugural final of the World Test Championship, which is set to be played at Lord’s later this year.
India will join them if they avoid defeat in the fourth Test against England.
If England beat India, then they will be doing a favour for their age-old rivals Australia.
After defeat in the third Test, England are now unable to qualify for the final, but victory for them would send Australia above India in the table.
Pitch issues
Final #pitchwatch before the fourth #INDvENG Test in #Ahmedabad... pic.twitter.com/q4ELojKYst
— Brian Murgatroyd (@murgersb) March 3, 2021
England’s epic implosion on the dusty track in Ahmedabad brought with it a rash of memes lampooning the pitch.
Logic suggests the conditions for the second match on the same wicket block should be similarly tricky.
With a short turnaround between matches, it would be a surprise if the pitch is better any better prepared than it was for last week’s game. Although at least the early finish meant there were three more days than planned to prep.
India view
Virat Kohli, India’s captain, was nonplussed about all the attention surrounding the facilities.
“I believe there is too much noise about spinning tracks,” Kohli said. “The reason behind our success as a team is that we haven't cribbed about any surface we have played on. We have always tried to improve.
“I am sure if our media is in a space to contradict those views or present views which say that it is unfair to criticise only spin tracks, then it will be a balanced a conversation.
“But the unfortunate bit is everyone plays along with that narrative and keeps making it news till the time it is relevant.
“And then a Test match happens, if you win on day four or five, no one says anything but if it finishes in two days, everyone pounces on the same issue.”
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Gallery: India win third Test
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England view
A number of England players have been laid low by a sickness bug in the lead up to the final Test.
But captain Joe Root is urging them to be positive about squaring the series, which he believes would be a fine achievement, even if qualification for the WTC final remains beyond them.
“Being fearless means not having that tentative mentality of being trapped on the crease or caught in two minds,” Root said.
“It's having confidence to play the ball in front of you, not having baggage from what has happened before, not overthinking the pitch and trying to see things as they are.
“It is all still there for us. We've got all the ingredients, all the pieces and all the skills to exploit and succeed in these conditions. It's important we harness that and have it in the front of our minds. We need to be braver and play with a bit more freedom.”
