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England experienced their initial Test series loss under the captaincy of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum as they were defeated by India in the fourth Test in Ranchi. With this loss, India secured a 3-1 lead in the ongoing five-match series.
Individual brilliance in Ranchi
The Ranchi Test witnessed intense competition and remarkable individual displays. Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel shone with the bat for India, while Shoaib Bashir and Joe Root showcased resilience for England. Despite both players spectacular performances in the match, England fell short as other players failed to provide ample support.
Michael Vaughan’s call for a change
Looking ahead to the fifth Test in Dharamshala, former England Captain Michael Vaughan demands a crucial change in the bowling department. Vaughan advocated for Gus Atkinson to replace Ollie Robinson. Despite Robinson’s noteworthy batting performance in Ranchi, his bowling contributions were subpar, bowling 13 overs without a wicket in the first innings and not getting a chance to bowl in the second.
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Potential advantage
Vaughan believed that Atkinson’s inclusion could provide an advantage to England in their quest for a consolation win in the series. He reflected on Robinson’s challenges in Ranchi and outlines how Atkinson’s bowling skills could be effectively utilized.
“They’ve got to play Gus Atkinson, the young quick. You look at Ollie Robinson in the last Test match, he just looked short of a gallop,” Vaughan said in Club Prairie Fire’s YouTube video.
“He’s just not played any cricket. Then you throw a selection his way, and he’s not got the overs. He looks the kind of bowler that needs a few games to get into a little bit of a rhythm,” the 49-year-old concluded.
Dharamshala Test on the horizon
The fifth Test between India and England is scheduled to take place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala from March 7 to 11. England will seek redemption, and Vaughan’s suggested change in the bowling lineup might play a crucial role in their strategy for the upcoming match.
