India v England, 4th Test - England Predicted XI

Team England have had a stuttering start to their long Indian tour. They started off well by putting in a decent performance at Rajkot. They were even successful in giving India a brief scare in that Test. However, the next two Test matches saw England fail miserably. They have been seen clueless and wanting against the aggressive Indians.

The Test at Vizag saw them go down without even putting up a resistance. It was no different at Mohali. Despite having won the toss in two of the three Tests, they have failed to capitalize on the big advantage. The prime reason has been their combination of players. While India have looked settled with their playing eleven and have had a problem of excess, England have felt the need for more and more players.

They have the likes of Ben Duckett and Gary Ballance in the side but still had to draft in new players to the squad after Haseeb Hameed’s injury. The team was off to a break in Dubai and had the much-needed thinking time. Now they are back to lock horns with India in the fourth Test at Mumbai. A lot of talk has been going around about the combination of the England team for the match. Here is the predicted XI that may take the field in the crucial encounter.

England Predicted XI for 4th Test v India

Openers – Keaton Jennings, Alastair Cook

Skipper Alastair Cook remains to be the fixed opener in the side. The other opener on the tour, Haseeb Hameed, was injured and hence is ruled out. South Africa-born Durham all-rounder Keaton Jennings was drafted in as the replacement for him. Jennings is most likely to make his debut tomorrow. He is a heavy run-scorer in domestic cricket. England have the option of going with Ben Duckett as well but since Duckett struggled against spin in first two Tests, Jennings might be the obvious choice.

Middle-order –  Joe Root, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler

The middle-order has looked set for England in the series so far. Joe Root has scored runs consistently. Moeen Ali had scored a ton in the Rajkot Test too. He had his issues with the short ball in the last two matches but is likely to retain his place in the team. Ben Stokes has been a key performer with the bat and the ball and will surely be in the playing eleven. Jos Buttler had looked good in the Mohali Test. He did not get a big score under his belt but had shown great composure in the first innings to get a decent start. He will retain his place in the side.

Wicketkeeper – Jonny Bairstow

Jonny Bairstow has been the most consistent performer for England this year. Bairstow has scored runs at will in the series has well. He is the only player who has looked set almost every time he has come in to bat in the series so far.

Spinners – Adil Rashid, Liam Dawson

Adil Rashid has been the pick of the bowlers for England on the tour. He has been getting key wickets throughout the series. He will get assistance from Moeen Ali in the spin department. Liam Dawson is likely to make his debut in the Mumbai Test. The left-arm spinner has been on the fringes of England debut for quite some time. He was drafted in the squad at the expense of Zafar Ansari. With Gareth Batty failing to impress in Mohali Test, Dawson might get his break.

Pacers – James Anderson, Chris Woakes

Stuart Broad is suffering from an ankle injury. It is unlikely that England will risk him in the Mumbai Test considering the long season. Chris Woakes has been bowling well in the matches that he has played in. James Anderson has been a wicket-taker with the new ball. He is one of the reverse swing components for England team.

England: Alastair Cook (C), Keaton Jennings, Joe Root, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Adil Rashid, Liam Dawson, James Anderson, Chris Woakes.