Battered and bruised in the last two matches, it will be a test of character for India’s underperforming players as they go into the fifth and final Test against England in London on Friday, hoping to restore their pride and level the series.
India have slipped badly after their historic win at the Lord’s with humiliating defeats in Southampton and Manchester and Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men have a daunting task of saving the series, which they are trailing 1-2.
While the young batting line-up has crumbled time and again the bowling has not all looked penetrative which has allowed the hosts to stage a dramatic turnaround.
India however have got a big boost with lanky paceman Ishant Sharma being fit for the final game. The team management however face a selection dilemma on whether to retain some of the out-of-form players like Ravindra Jadeja or try out the bench strength.
India’s batting has been a huge let down in the last two Test and the visitors need Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara to do justice to their talent and potential.