The conditions continue to Test India's skill and resolve while the hosts struggle to overcome their brittle top-order's propensity for collapse.
England vs India | 2 September – 6 September | The Oval, London
To Win Match
England 13/10
Draw 3/1
India 16/10
England
Already without Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes, England have lost Jos Buttler as the wicketkeeper leaves the bubble to be with his wife as she gives birth.
Chris Woakes will come into the group and is likely to play as England seek to refresh their seam bowling stocks.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings has been called up but it is more likely that Jonny Bairstow will be asked to resume keeping for this Test match at least.
James Anderson has been excellent for England throughout the series and there is no sign of him being rested just yet.
England must find a way to support Joe Root in the middle order if they are to stay in the game against a very good India team.
India
India will be kicking themselves after their first-innings collapse prevented them from mounting a victory push in the third Test, with some player’s temperament questioned.
Rishabh Pant is one of those being questioned, so soon after his exploits in Australia made him a national hero. The wheel turns quickly in elite cricket and Pant will need to show what he is made of.
Virat Kohli’s poor form with the bat is a major concern for India, despite plenty of players standing up already in this series.
India’s quick bowlers have been the biggest positive for the team on the tour to date, and they will again be expected to torment England.
Verdict: England
The hosts now hold a slight edge and will no doubt take great confidence from the nature of their victory at Headingley.
