India vs England: The fourth Test starts today. Will Team India clinch the series?

India, eyeing its 17th consecutive Test series win on home soil, is ready for the fourth Test against England. The match, starting today, sees both teams aiming for victory. India, leading the five-match series 2–1 under Rohit’s captaincy, hopes to clinch the series here, while England aims to win this match to stay in contention for the series. England won the toss and elected to bat in today’s match.

This match is crucial for both teams. At the same time, Team India, which has been on a winning streak since 2012, securing victories in 16 consecutive series, aims to continue its successful run without a hitch by clinching its 17th series in Ranchi, having won 38 out of 47 tests in this streak.

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For this match, Team India has not made major changes to the final team. With star pacer Jasprit Bumrah being given rest, there’s an ongoing discussion on who should be included in his place. Will Mukesh Kumar, who claimed a 10-wicket haul in Ranji, be picked, or will Akash Deep get his debut chance? Only one among these two will likely join Siraj in the lineup. Given Ranchi’s pitch is more favourable for spin, India is set to play with three spinners – Jadeja, Ashwin, Kuldeep – and two pacers. With consecutive double centuries, Yashasvi and Shubman Gill are once again crucial for the team’s performance. If captain Rohit Sharma stands firm, a big score is guaranteed. The batting of Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel could also significantly contribute to a hefty total. Overall, India’s success in this match heavily relies on the young batsmen’s performance.

🚨 Toss Update from Ranchi 🚨

England have elected to bat against #TeamIndia in the 4th #INDvENG Test.

Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/FUbQ3Mhpq9@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/6YpNexdnsM

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 23, 2024

On the other hand, England, facing the risk of losing the series if they lose this match, is also aiming for victory. Considering the pitch, they have included spinner Shoaib Basheer and Tom Hartley in the final team, with Joe Root’s form as a spinner being a beneficial factor. They have chosen Ollie Robinson over Mark Wood to accompany pacer Anderson, thus focusing more on batting in this match. Crawley, Duckett, and Pope are determined to score big runs. There are high expectations for Root, Bairstow, and Stokes in the middle order. To counter India’s spinners effectively, these players need to stay longer at the crease.