Written by Ethan Murphy. Edited by Joe Murphy
Tomorrow, the fifth and final test match between England and India commences at Old Trafford in Manchester. After a thrilling test series filled with plenty of ups and downs for both teams, India goes into the last test with a 2-1 lead, and the chance of winning their first series on English soil since 2007. Conversely, there will be much frustration in the England camp who, although at times have showed promising signs, have largely been disappointing in the series so far. England do have a chance of tying the series which you’d have to say, although never good to lose a home test, could be seen as a victory considering some of their performances. Having won 12 out of the last 15 test matches at Old Trafford, England should be confident they can get the job done. However, as this test have taught us, you can’t take anything for granted in this game.
Team news: Butler in, who out?
The big team news going into this test is that Jos Butler returns from his absence. The wicketkeeper/batman, who was only unavailable due to the birth of his second child, is likely to slot straight back into the team. Although many, myself included, feel that Butler’s red ball form means he is due some time away from the team, Root clearly values the Lancashire batsmen as his vice-captain. The question therefore remains who drops out?
It is likely that it will come down to either middle order batsmen Johnny Bairstow or Ollie Pope. A like for like swap for Bairstow, a player who has also struggled for numbers this series, makes the most sense. However, I feel like Ollie Pope, who hit an impressive 81 in the first innings to regain England’s control, will unfortunately miss out. Although I could be wrong, I feel Root will stick to who he knows and the experience of Bairstow means he’ll be favoured over Pope.
Then there is a question over which bowling attack England chose. There are question marks surrounding James Anderson’s inclusion, with the 39-year-old having bowled nearly 170 overs in this series so far (only one fast bowler in the last decade has a bowled more than 200). Although Ollie Robinson has bowled even more, many feel Anderson could be rested due to age and recurrent injury problems. Conversely, is it a mistake to leave your arguably greatest English seam bowler out of such an important test and especially one taking place at his home ground. I think if he is fit, he plays. It’s the last test of the summer and he won’t be taking part in the t20 finals so plenty of recovery time after. Ollie Robinson being younger will most likely also feature, but who else with? It’s hard to know exactly but if it was me I would include all-rounder Chris Woakes, who impressed on his first test back and lastly pace bowler Mark Wood to complete the attack.
Lastly, Spin bowler Jack Leach, who made his last appearance earlier this year, has also been recalled to the England squad. With the last test match at Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium, Root is likely looking at his spinning options. He did, however, publicly state how Mohammed Alli is still England’s number one spin bowler. Does this mean that Leach will get the chance he deserves or will Root double up on spinners? I would guess that he goes for just the one in Alli, with himself able to bowl some overs if there is some movement. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t be so surprised if he brough Leach as well and left out one of the seamers.
Predictions
Sadly, I don’t have much faith going into the final test and my prediction is that India take the series, 3-1. At the current moment, India’s team is too complete when compared to England’s. They have good opening batsman, arguably the best batsman in the world in Virat Kohli, a strong middle order and tailenders who have surprisingly performed well with both bat and ball. Throughout this series India have just been more consistent in all areas, whereas England seem to get themselves into good situations and crumble. Consequently, one area for me that has greatly affected this England team is the absence of Ben Stokes. Ben Stokes’ heroics of the 2019 CWC and the final day at Headingly in the last ashes series show the attributes of someone who can dig their heels in when the going gets tough and drag England across the line. Without him, there doesn’t seem to be anyone else in the squad who can do that (bar maybe Root). When England went out to bat on day fiver in the last test, a score of 368 to get against a threating India bowling attack, was there anyone who thought we had a chance? Joe Man wrote in his Stump2Stump review of the last test that England lacked a plan and I agree with that to an extent, but I also think they missed that someone who’s going to step up and win you the game. That is why I fear the worse for England ahead of tomorrows opening day.
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