Ex-England cricketer David Lloyd feels that India are obviously short of experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
In his opinion, having even one of them in the playing XI would have altered the series outcome.
Rohit and Kohli had retired from Test cricket prior to the series’s commencement, which compelled the BCCI to choose a new captain and select two of their biggest players’ substitutes. Their departure announced the dawn of a new era for Indian Test cricket as several young players were given the opportunity to be included in the team.
In his column for the Daily Mail, Lloyd wrote:
“India have been very impressive over the series, but they haven’t won the main moments. If Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli were playing, I think the outcome would have been different. Certain players sniff out the main moments and are proactive rather than reactive. Ben Stokes is fabulous at that. India will be scratching their heads thinking how on earth they could lose this 3-1.”
England on the Brink of Series Victory
Although India dominated most of the sessions in the series, they are now at risk of losing the final Test. England require only 35 runs on Day 5 at The Oval, and they have four wickets in hand. The outcome is anyone’s game, but India will require a special effort with the ball to reverse the situation and square the series.
Lloyd also supported Michael Vaughan’s call for the removal of Ollie Pope as vice-captain for his lack of form after the first Test. He thinks Harry Brook, who posted a hundred in a flash on Day 4, would be a better fit for the position.
Lloyd wrote:
“Michael Vaughan said he would prefer Harry Brook as vice-captain, and I agree. Brook is assured of a place in this side and looks a leader. He would naturally feed off Stokes. The simple fact is that Ollie Pope’s place in this side is vulnerable. Take out the runs against Ireland and Zimbabwe and his return is very modest. His average in the fourth innings of a Test is 16.7, and for a number three, that is nowhere near enough.”
With the start of Day 5, Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton will resume England’s chase. India will, however, hope for wickets early to remain in the series.