India will be on the cusp of glory when they walk out to play the final Test against England. India lead the series 2-1 but the current Indian setup will look to seal the deal with a flamboyant win against England in their backyard. Winning a Test series in England has often been a big challenge for touring sides as teams have struggled to adapt to the swinging conditions. Indian last won a Test series in England in 2007.
The biggest concern for India captain Rohit Sharma getting ruled out after testing positive for Covid-19 and is currently in isolation and under the supervision of BCCI's medical team. The star batter is the highest run-scorer for India in this series and his absence will be a big blow for the mega clash.
The Test will also be a big test for former captain Virat Kohli as he needs runs under his belt. Talking about former captains, Joe Root looks in red-hot form, and his revival has intensified the Fab 4 debate even more. With the likes of Stokes, Bairstow, Root and the duo of Anderson and Broad, England will come out all guns blazing to keep India waiting for a series win on their home soil. But before that let's look back at how the series has panned so far.
Rain robs India
The first match was a test of patience for both the teams and saw exceptional performances from both sides. The first innings can be remembered for Root's resistance and Bumrah's perfection. The Indian speedster returned with the figures of 4/47 making the England batters struggle. Despite Root's 64, England only managed to score 183 in the first innings. The Indian side scored 278 thanks to a brilliant knock of 84 by KL Rahul. Robinson was the star of the show as he returned with the figures of 5/85. With a 95-run lead, India needed to repeat the first innings performance to secure a win but a rain-curtailed game was standing in their way. Root scored a brilliant hundred and despite Bumrah's fifer, India needed 200 runs for an easy win but rain spoiled India's party and the match ended in a draw.
Statement made with first win
India walked into the second Test high on confidence and put 364 on the board, despite Jimmy Anderson's five-wicket haul. Rahul once again kept his calm and scored a brilliant hundred. While India had Rahul's calm, England had Root's resilience. The then England skipper led from the front as he kept the Indian bowlers at bay. Thanks to his 180, England were able to take a 27-run lead in the first Innings. India struggled in the third innings but Ajinkya Rahane took India to a fighting total. The veteran Indian batter delivered with a fighting 61-run knock and India declared on 298/8.
India needed something exceptional from their bowlers to secure a win and Mohammed Siraj and company didn't disappoint. India bundled out England at 120 at took a 1-0 lead in the series.
England bounce back
You can never count out England, especially in the home conditions. With revenge in their minds, England put up a strong display right from the start. Anderson and company wrapped up the Indian innings at 78. The show didn't just end there as they toiled the Indian bowlers when they came out to bat. Root scored another hundred and took England's total to 432. India had a big task in hand and needed something exceptional from their batters to save the game. Despite Pujara's 91, India were bowled out for 278 and England levelled the series with an innings and 76-run win.
Rohit takes charge
The fourth Test between England and India was bound to be exciting. With the series evenly poised it was all about who makes the most of crucial situations. Indian needed its match-winners to step up and put up their best display. The first innings didn't go as planned as India was bowled out for a mere 191. The only glimmer of hope came from Shardul Thakur who scored a crucial 57. England, on the other hand, was able to take a 99-run lead, Pope scored 81 and England looked in full command of the game. But the ‘Hitman’ had some other ideas! Rohit scored a blazing 127 to take India's total to 466. England, on the other hand, needed a defensive performance to save the game. The Indian bowlers came out all guns blazing, led by Umesh Yadav. Yadav and co. turned the match in India's favour. India won the game to take a 2-1 lead.
With the final game to be played at Edgbaston, India will be looking to create history but it won't be easy considering England's red-ball revival. Both the teams will go in with new leaders and a different track record altogether. The English team produced an excellent display against the Kiwis and that will come in handy when they face the Indian team. The final game will be an exciting encounter to watch.
