Grass cover to welcome India at The Ageas Bowl?

England stormed into the ascendancy by winning the first two Tests against India at Edgbaston and Lord’s respectively. Their first victory wasn’t comprehensive, but Joe Root and ensured that they beat their opponents black and blue at the Home of Cricket. Moreover, the Three Lions took a crucial 2-0 lead in the five-match Test series against Virat Kohli’s men.

However, the visitors didn’t drop the gun and made a strong statement by trumping the Brits at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. It was also their second victory at the venue after Rahul Dravid led the team to glory in 2007. In the meantime, the Poms got a reality check in the previous match as Root and Co couldn’t quite outplay the Indians in any department.

Umesh to play?

The fourth Test is scheduled to be played from August 30 to September 3 in Southampton and both sides have all to play for. While India need a victory to stay in contention for a series victory, the hosts can’t afford another goof-up as it can land them in deep water going into the fifth and final Test at the KIA Oval. Meanwhile, England have reportedly dished out a green-strip at the Ageas Bowl.

Ravi Shastri, India’s head coach, inspected the pitch, which has a fair sprinkling of grass as per reports in The Times of India (TOI). In the last one and half months, India haven’t been encountered with a strip of such nature. It’s pretty clear-cut that England are trying their hearts out to defeat India and seal the fate of the series. The deck is expected to help the seam bowlers.

England have an effective bunch of fast-bowlers. Nevertheless, India also aren’t devoid of speedsters who can run through quality batting lineups. The developments in India’s practice session suggested that Umesh Yadav, who didn’t play the last two Tests may get a go. Kohli also had a discussion with Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma, all three of whom had their pads on.

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