India and England are up for a last battle in the ongoing Test series. The battle lines have been drawn in the snow-laden canvass of Dharamsala. Crucial World Test Championship points are up for grabs and both teams will not leave any stone unturned to bag those points. There are a few tactical changes that are expected on both sides. In this article, we will take a look at why India should go with 3 pacers in the Dharamsala Test.
Horses for Courses
The last match of the Test series will be completely different from the first four matches. The conditions are poles apart in Dharamsala and the English team might feel at home playing at this venue. The conditions in Dharamsala warrant the Indian team to opt for three pacers in the squad who can exploit those bowling-friendly conditions. This little tweak in the plans can really help the home team seal the series 4-1.
Let ‘Akash’ Deep capitalize on the clouds
The debutant in Ranchi, Akash Deep, showed everyone that he was ready for this stage. He bowled brilliantly in the initial stages of the first innings and had substantial success as well. Now, it will be an obvious decision to let him thrive in conducive conditions for bowling in Dharamsala.
He can team up with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj to trouble the English batters. It will be a good opportunity to allow a youngster like Akash Deep to bowl in favourable conditions and get settled on the international stage.
It is a statement!
Well, the Indian team has been subjected to a lot of criticism in the last few years regarding spin-friendly conditions. The pundits have often expressed their disappointment over the pitches which have been heavily tilted in India’s favour, according to them. The Indian team has tried to reverse this narrative as the pitches in this series have been competitive and both sides have had a fair chance to come out on top.
Now, the Dharamsala Test will be a great opportunity to bury those objections, once and for all, with a lethal Indian pace trio putting the visitors in a fix in the foothills of the Himalayas.