India need to win the penultimate Test of the five-match series against England in order to stay alive in the contest. A win for the hosts will put the series victory out of reach for the Shubman Gill-led side. As such, the fourth Test, set to commence on Wednesday, July 23, holds crucial significance. In the third Test at Lord’s, England have their skipper Ben Stokes to thank for his relentless pursuit of victory, helping his side gain the upper hand. Reflecting on Stokes’ stunning all-round performance, former England pacer Steven Finn praised his daring approach. “If you dangle that carrot of competitiveness in front of him, he’s going to chomp on it all day long. And he sensed the need for someone to grab the game by the scruff of the neck, both on the fourth evening and the fifth morning. And he did it and he ran with it,” said Finn, speaking on BBC 5 Live Sport. However, he also admitted concerns over Stokes overexerting himself, a feeling previously echoed by Joe Root. “Every time he bowls a long spell like that, you’re watching with bated breath being like, ‘Don’t let this be the spell where he just overcooked it that little bit too much,'” said the Englishman.
While India did see a marathon stand from Ravindra Jadeja, the all-rounder could only watch as his batting partners fell to the relentless English attack as his side was eventually bowled out. Outlining what sets Stokes apart, Finn said, “He’s a magnificent cricketer, obviously. But it’s that competitiveness and that desperation to win games and be the person who changes the course of games that make him extra special.”
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England have announced their playing XI for the fourth Test, with just one change: injured spinner Shoaib Bashir has been replaced by 35-year-old Liam Dawson.England playing XI for fourth Test vs India: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.
