On Friday, February 23, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that young cricketer Rehan Ahmed would be returning home and would no longer participate in the ongoing series against India. The decision came as a surprise, especially since the visitors had initially planned to field him as one of the two specialist spinners for the fourth Test in Ranchi.
However, unforeseen personal reasons led to his departure. Unlike the first Test, where spinner Jack Leach was ruled out due to injury without a replacement named, England opted not to call up a substitute for Ahmed.
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With Shaoib Bashir and Tom Hartley as their remaining spin options, the team faces the challenge of dealing with the spin-friendly conditions expected in Ranchi.
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England, trailing 2-1 in the series, acknowledges the significance of the Ranchi pitch, with Vice-captain Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes both highlighting the prominence of patches on the surface that could favor spinners. Bashir and Hartley, therefore, need to elevate their performances to fill the void left by Ahmed.
While Joe Root has been noteworthy with the ball, his dual role as bowler and captain might be affecting his batting form, evident in his modest batting average of 12.83 across the first three Tests. Nevertheless, Stokes emphasized the team’s commitment to their aggressive “Bazball” approach, despite Root’s batting struggles.
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In a bid to infuse fresh energy into the squad, Ollie Robinson replaces Mark Wood in the playing XI for the fourth Test. Robinson, who has been patiently waiting for his chance, joins James Anderson in the pace department, offering England a new dynamic in their bowling lineup.
