India vs England 4th Test: The stage is set for a crucial encounter in the India vs England Test series, with the fourth match taking place in Ranchi. However, the spotlight is not solely on the battle between the two teams, but also on the pitch itself, which has surprised and intrigued England captain Ben Stokes.
A Pitch Unlike Any Other
Stokes, known for his composure and experience, was left astonished upon seeing the Ranchi surface. Describing it as “something I’ve never seen before,” he highlighted the deceptive appearance of the pitch. Initially covered in grass, closer inspection revealed numerous cracks, hinting at potential challenges for both batsmen and bowlers.
Rough Patches and Ashwin Advantage
England vice-captain Ollie Pope further elaborated on the pitch’s unique features, pointing out an abundance of rough patches outside the “right-hander’s off stump.” This could be a golden opportunity for India’s premier off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, to exploit during the match.
Moving On from Rajkot Defeat
England suffered a heavy defeat in the previous Test at Rajkot, but Stokes assures that the team is looking forward and not dwelling on the past. He acknowledged the importance of learning from the loss but emphasized the focus on winning the Ranchi Test.
A Crucial Match for England
Trailing 1-2 in the series, England needs a victory in Ranchi to keep their hopes of a series win alive. The unpredictable nature of the pitch adds another layer of intrigue to the already high-stakes encounter.
