India to make changes at Old Trafford?

Ankle swelling limited Bhuvneshwar's participation in the first day of India's pre-Test training. Bhuvneshwar bowled a few deliveries gingerly, off a short run, and pulled out in five minutes or so.

Losing both Ishant and Bhuvneshwar for the fourth Test would really put India's backs against the wall.

Quote:That might not be the only cause for concern for Dhawan, though. For the first time since India reached Nottingham, Gautam Gambhir had a hit pretty early on in the nets. It was a clear sign that Dhawan - after six failures - cannot take his place for granted. India have left open that option of bringing Gambhir in. Gambhir last played a Test for India in early 2012, in Nagpur against England.

Gambhir is not the only option India seem to have left open. R Ashwin, who in the eyes of the experts and public has become a better spinner with every passing day out of the Test team, was more active in the nets than usual. He had a decent bowl at the start, and also got a longish hit with the bat. If he does come in, as almost everyone has demanded by now, he will do so in place of either Jadeja, who looked ineffective at the Ageas Bowl, or Rohit Sharma. Ashwin's last Test was Johannesburg, where he bowled 42 wicketless overs, 36 of those in the second innings.

India's return to nets hints at changes

gambhir has proven that once he is in he bats for a long time

Given Dhawan's struggles and lack of form throughout the series I would be very tempted to make a change and select Gambhir. Dhawan has looked very uncomfortable, especially against pace bowling. More than anything, India really need Kholi to find some form.

England have a good recent record at Old Trafford. Dating back to 2002 England have won 6 and drawn 2. They have never lost to India at Old Trafford.

This is starting to feel a lot like 2011 again. India's main performers with the ball are struggling to last a test series and depleting an already weak bowling attack. Hopefully the introduction of new players will add zest to the team and allow them to compete.

They should make a change,at least for the sake of it,they wouldn't love to play with a losing combination
Perfect X1 :
Vijay Gambhir Pujara Kohli Rahane Rohit Dhoni Jadeja/Binny Ashwin Aaron Shami

[quote author=docdhruv link=topic=91693.msg579151#msg579151 date=1407220303]
This is starting to feel a lot like 2011 again. India's main performers with the ball are struggling to last a test series and depleting an already weak bowling attack. Hopefully the introduction of new players will add zest to the team and allow them to compete.
[/quote]

Not really. They did not win a game in 2011 if memory serves me right.

Winning a test is hard with a lack of bowling firepower , isn't it? As mentioned in another thread, maybe it isn't as much the number of bowlers playing, more the fact that nobody is really lighting it up with the ball.

That said, test cricket is a funny thing as has already been seen so far this summer and maybe even more so against the aussies.

Quote:If the signs from India's net sessions are anything to go by, R Ashwin seems set to play his first Test of 2014. It is not clear if he will take the place of Rohit Sharma or Ravindra Jadeja if he does so. During their loss in Southampton, India rarely used Jadeja as a wicket-taking bowler, but equally Rohit disappointed with his shot-selection in the first innings, stepping out and hitting Moeen Ali straight to mid-off five minutes before tea. Rohit seems to be the likelier one to go out, with India returning to their five-batsmen formula of the first two Tests.

Ashwin possibly in, Dhawan possibly out for Manchester

In related news, Bhuvneshwar bowled freely in the nets for 50-minutes without pain and looks set to be included in the starting XI at Old Trafford. While all signs point to Dhawan being dropped.

Rohit out Ashwin in maybe. I don't think Rohit's gonna be of much use this series. Jadeja at least played some significant role.

[quote author=Kyle link=topic=91693.msg579349#msg579349 date=1407294526]
Rohit out Ashwin in maybe. I don't think Rohit's gonna be of much use this series. Jadeja at least played some significant role.
[/quote]
Second that..!!..Rohit really isn't of much use,but Dhoni would want to give him the longer rope and he always has.
Ashwin is a certainty and Dhawan has had his time up..Do you think Rohit will get a look at the top..?