Ajinkya Rahane, the former captain, thinks the Indian batting is in good form, but the bowling is a concern before the fifth Test against England for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval this Thursday. India is behind 1-2 after four Tests, so this last match in London is key.
India’s bowling wasn’t as good as England’s in the first Test at Headingley and the third at Lord’s, which led to losses. However, India managed a draw at Old Trafford in Manchester, keeping the series close. Rahane pointed out that the bowling unit needs improvement.
The team is playing well overall, with the batting being wonderful. The concern is the bowling. Some bowlers are doing fine, but they need more support, Rahane mentioned on his YouTube channel.
India’s strong batting is reflected in the series, with 11 individual centuries, matching their record from 1978-79 against West Indies.
Even though India lost the first Test in Leeds, they showed their batting strength with five centuries. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a steady 101, and Shubman Gill had a great 147 for his first century of the series. Rishabh Pant impressed with 134 in the first innings and 118 in the second. KL Rahul also made a mark with a smooth 137.
In the second Test in Birmingham, Shubman Gill stood out with 269 in the first innings and 161 in the second, helping India tie the series 1-1.
During the third Test at Lord’s, KL Rahul again displayed his skill with a tough 100, but India couldn’t win and fell behind 2-1 in the series. Then, in the Manchester Test, India showed resilience. Gill scored his fourth century of the series, with 103 under tension.
On the last day, Ravindra Jadeja hit an unbeaten 107, and Washington Sundar made his first century, finishing with 101 not out. Their unbroken 203-run partnership helped India save the match and stay in the series.
In England, the conditions are good for batting, making the difference between the bowling units small. India has taken 65 wickets in four Tests, while England has 70. This small difference of five wickets is reflected in India’s 2-1 lead.