What England Must Do to Level the Series in Ranchi Test against India

After a triumphant start in Hyderabad, England now faces the daunting task of leveling the series against India in the upcoming Ranchi Test. Having succumbed to consecutive defeats, the visitors find themselves at a crossroads, needing a strategic revival to stay alive in the five-match series. Here, we analyze three crucial aspects that England must address to stage a comeback in Ranchi.

England’s Bazball Need a Way to Revitalised

The adaptation to Indian conditions remains the Achilles’ heel for England’s batters, as highlighted by their struggles with the Bazball in Visakhapatnam and Rajkot. While Ollie Pope’s counter-attacking brilliance in Hyderabad showcased the potential of the English batting lineup, the subsequent performances have been inconsistent.

Top-order batsmen like Ben Duckett and Pope have shown glimpses of form, but the lack of substantial contributions from key players like Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow is concerning. The challenge lies in devising a method to counter India’s quality bowling attack effectively. England cannot afford to abandon their attacking approach but must refine their Bazball strategy to navigate the challenging conditions in Ranchi.

With Zak Crawley, Ben Stokes, and Ben Foakes contributing modestly, England needs a collective effort to post challenging totals. The Ranchi Test provides an opportunity for the English batters to reassess their approach and find a balanced method that suits the Indian conditions.

England Must Find a Strategy Against India’s Young Guns

England’s bowling attack, featuring a mix of experience and raw talent, faces the formidable task of containing India’s young batting unit. The likes of Tom Hartley, Rehan Ahmed, and Shoaib Bashir have shown promise, but they need to elevate their performance against an assertive Indian lineup.

The previous Test in Rajkot exposed vulnerabilities in England’s bowling, with India’s young guns, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan, taking the attack to the English bowlers. James Anderson, with his wealth of experience, must lead the bowling unit, providing the necessary guidance to the inexperienced spinners. Tightening the line and length and avoiding leaking easy runs will be crucial in Ranchi.

The English bowlers must devise plans to unsettle the Indian batsmen, especially the aggressive youngsters who have shown a penchant for taking on the bowling. Ranchi demands a disciplined and strategic bowling effort from England to keep India’s young talents in check.

England Should Recover From Their Fielding Follies

The age-old adage, “catches win matches,” holds true, and England has felt the repercussions of missed opportunities in the field. Dropped catches, notably by Joe Root and Ollie Pope in Rajkot, have allowed India to capitalize on their innings, turning the tide in their favor.

In Ranchi, England’s fielding unit must be meticulous, ensuring they grasp every opportunity that comes their way. The missed chances in the previous Tests have proven costly, and England cannot afford a repeat in this pivotal encounter. Focused fielding and sharp catching will be essential to disrupt India’s momentum and create pressure on the hosts.

As England prepares for the Ranchi Test, a holistic approach encompassing a refined Bazball strategy, an improved bowling performance, and flawless fielding is imperative. The visitors must learn from their previous shortcomings, making the necessary adjustments to counter the challenges posed by a resilient Indian team.

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