India vs England 5th Test Updates: Rohit Unsure About the Pitch, Root the Beneficiary
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, reflects on potential bowling strategies for the upcoming Test match in Dharamsala against England while Joe Root climbs to the second position while Steven Smith slips following a run of low scores in the latest ICC Test Rankings.
India’s Test series against England has seen a tactical tug-of-war, with India favoring a two-seamer approach despite England‘s one. Ahead of the fifth Test in Dharamsala, Rohit Sharma contemplates the inclusion of a third seamer due to weather uncertainties.
In a press conference, Rohit Sharma hinted at the possibility of adding a third seamer to India’s lineup based on weather forecasts. The cooler temperatures expected during the Test match could potentially aid swing bowling, prompting India to reconsider their bowling composition.
Despite lacking firsthand experience on the Dharamsala pitch, Rohit Sharma anticipates a typical Indian track with early movement and spin later in the game. This uncertainty has led to England opting for a balanced 2-2 attack rather than a third seamer.
India’s depth in bowling options, including spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin, provides flexibility in team selection. Kuldeep Yadav’s recent performances have strengthened his position as the third spinner behind Ashwin and Jadeja.
Reflecting on Ashwin’s upcoming 100th Test, Rohit Sharma praises his teammate’s invaluable contributions to the team over the years. From their early days playing together at the Under-17 level, Rohit acknowledges Ashwin’s evolution into a match-winner and his dedication to honing his skills on and off the field.
Ashwin’s commitment to the team was evident during a family emergency in the third Test, where he returned to contribute to India’s victory, showcasing his selflessness and team spirit.
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As India faces the decision between a third spinner or third seamer in Dharamsala, Rohit Sharma’s insights shed light on the strategic considerations behind team selection, emphasizing adaptability and unity within the squad.
Root Climbs, Smith Slides in ICC Test Batting Rankings
In the latest ICC Test batting rankings update, Joe Root ascends to the coveted second position, trailing only behind New Zealand’s Kane Williamson.
This surge comes as a result of Steven Smith’s recent dip in form, dropping below the 800-point mark for the first time since 2014. Smith’s struggles, particularly evident since his transition to Australia’s new Test opener, have provided an opportunity for Root to capitalize, especially following his recent century against India in Ranchi.
Meanwhile, Smith’s Australia teammate, Marnus Labuschagne, finds himself outside the top ten for the first time since December 2019, after a disappointing performance in the recent match against New Zealand. Travis Head, another Australian batsman, also experiences a decline in rankings, slipping to No.12 following a string of low scores.
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However, amidst the reshuffle, there are notable advancements for Indian batters. Yashaswi Jaiswal enters the top ten for the first time, showcasing his prowess with a remarkable tally of 665 runs in the ongoing series against England. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also make strides in the rankings, despite Kohli’s absence from the recent series due to the birth of his child.
Cameron Green emerges as the standout performer of the week, soaring 22 places in the rankings after a sensational unbeaten 174 in Australia’s first innings against New Zealand. His stellar performance propels him to a career-best position in the rankings.
At the top, Williamson maintains a comfortable lead with 870 points, buoyed by his exceptional record of seven centuries in his last eight Tests.
Turning to the bowling rankings, Nathan Lyon’s impressive 10-wicket match haul against New Zealand sees him rise to No.6, while Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry also make significant gains after stellar performances in the recent matches.
In other developments, Ireland’s historic Test victory against Afghanistan brings notable advancements for their players in both batting and bowling rankings, further highlighting the dynamic nature of the cricketing landscape.
